Maltsters’ strike?

Press, 9 April 1979, Page 6

Maltsters’ strike?

Soft-drink production workers and maltsters in Christchurch may strike from today in support of brewery workers who have been suspended because work has run out for them while boiler attendants are on strike. The national secretary of the Brewery Workers’ Union (Mr C. K. Glendening) said from Auckland last evening that the workers would consider a recommendation from the executive.

He would not disclose the recommendation, but last week he hinted that the soft drink workers might strike in support of suspended brewery workers because of a union policy against suspensions. However, a meeting in Auckland today could resolve the dispute which led to the suspensions and strikes, which so far have affected 900 brewery workers. The meeting is between the Stationary Engine Drivers’ Union and brew-

ery employers, before an industrial conciliator, Mr F. Gerbic. The engine drivers, who attend the brewery boilers, have been on strike since March 29 in support of a disability allowance of 8c an hour. The allowance is paid to brewery tradesmen in compensation for dirty conditions or other unusual working conditions and to prevent strikes over such conditions. The employers say that boiler attendants never face such conditions.