STRIKE THREATENED

Chronicle (Levin), 16 December 1946, Page 4

STRIKE THREATENED

— Press Association

Dairy Faclory Workers NEW WAGE RATES SOUGHT

By Telegrayh-

WHANGAREI, Dec. 16. "If the dairy factory workers do not secure the increase sought in the basic wage rate, work in factories will cease," said Mr. C. L. Collier, secretafy of the Northland Sub-branch of the New Zealand Dairy Factory Workers' Union yesterday afternoon. Mr. Collier stated that there had" > been discontent in the industry for some years, and this culnunated in many factories being idle for variojis periods about two years ago. an mcrease 111 wages was then given, but this increase was nullified by a general wage increase over all classes of workers, so that phe diiference of basic wage rates oetween the dairy factory worker and those in other industries still existe.d. The rrien were asking for an increase from £5/1/8 to £5/10/m the basic rate for a 40-hour week. This would be only 2/9 an nour, and less ihan the average of other industries. A meeting of dairy factory workers was held reeenuy in Whangarei, ,vhen men from nine of the 17 (,'actories in Northland were present. A decision was made that the north would immediately support . any action by workers in the BouthAuckland and Taranaki districts. This decision has been communicated to all factories, and full support given. Whne the men have been nqtined that a worK' stoopage is likel-y, anion offlcials are hopeful that the .xien's aemands will oe met without direct action.

Waikato Workers' Decision A11 earlier message from Hamilton stated thau a iull scaie strike is imminent in dairy factories. It is understood that a time limit has oeen set down for Wednesday next lor the employers to consider the workers' various demands, which mclude new wage rates and improved working conditions. If the neaotiations do not take place, or oreak down, it is stated that the mdustry will be nlunged immediately into a strike. The position of the dairy factory workers was discussed at a largely attended meeting of workers at Frankton last night when workers i'rom all parts of the Waikato and farther aneld were nresent. It was stated that the dairv factory workers reached the conclusion ohat, for the benefit of the industrv as a whole, drastic action had. to be taken to prevent the resignations of experienced workers, and to encourage others to come irito che industry and remain there. Resolutions were carried for the imnlementation of immediate and qositive steps to rectify the "uncenable position" of dairy factory workers in the past. In the Dark Enquiries made at the Levin Jairv Company's factory today disMosed that employees knew noth.ng of the imminence of a strike in .he industry