NOT FORTHCOMING.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1986, 17 February 1914, Page 7

NOT FORTHCOMING.

PROMISED MEAT SUPPLY.

NO MEN AT ABATTOIRS,

FLIMSY EXCUSE.

NOT REGULARLY NOTIFIED.

By Teloeraph-Ptess Association-Copyrleht

(Rec. February 16, 9.1S p.m.)

Sydney, February 16. In connection with, tho strike of butchers in Sydney, and the closing of tho retail shops, it was considered that there was a possibility of meat being available for the- public to-day. The promised meat supply was not forthcoming, however. No men. arrived at tho Glebe abattoirs, as they claim they were not regularly notified of the work for them. r| The shops consequently were closed. The supposed cold storage reserves are now said to be imaginary, as they are mostly sold to overseas purchasers', and are. not available for local consumption. The union proposes to purchase cattle for slaughter, and open shops to detail meat and relieve the situation for tie public. Mr. Furse, of the Employees' Union, alleges that' the Master .butchers' brought pressure to bear upon the men, with whom the union had made arrangements to slaughter at the Globe Abattoirs. One man was stopped after killing two beasts. It would thus seem that there was a combine of the masters to prevent the public from getting meat. The men in their own ranks wore willing to slaughter, but the employers would not lot them'. FIFTEEN THOUSAND MEN MAY BE AFFECTED. DAIRY PRODUCE AND FISH IN DEMAND. (Rec. February 16, 1.1.5 p.m.) Sydney, February 16. iliree thousand men are at present affected by the Butchers' Strike. Unless a speedy settlement is made it is estimated that 15,000 will be out of work in another two daysC AittanHements have been Imado to supply the hospitals and Government institutions by the Masters' Association. There is great demand for dairy produce and fish. In some cases price's have advanced. POSITION IN MEAT FAMINE THREATENED(Rec. February 16, 11.5 p.m.) Melbourne, February 16. Slaughtermen at the City Abattoirs ceased work to-day. The men refused to clean the pens after killing, and the employers also refused to do the work. The City Council intervened and closed the abattoirs. One. thousand men are idle, and two hundred have ceased operations. The qity is laced with a meat famine. FREE LABOUR. NOT TO BE USED. •MASTER BUTCHERS' DECISION, (Rec. February 17, 1.15 a.m.) .: . . Sydney,.February 16. Three resolutions have been submitted,, to the Minister., of Labour (Mr. Estell).. by,.the MastervJlutchW Association. The resolutions are as follow: — "That,in the. event : of tho union men not responding to a requisition to Start work, no attempt to commence- killing bo made at-present with free labour." "That tho retail masters bo informed that a committee is arranging for a supply of frozen meat to tho trade, and tho retail bntehers must devise the best means of distributing it to the public." "That it is desirable that'no stock be slaughtered for export while tho public of Sydney are without supplies." Tho resolutions' were conveyed to a meoting of the men. The.secretary of the Meat Employees' Union states that the men's services have boon dispensed with by employers, thus creating a lockout. The Government is expected to put the law in motion. The union is prepared to take over those- shops which tho employers' secretary states the proprietors are pre--pared to hand over, and if slaughtering, space is granted at Globo will, in the interests of the public, open shops immediately for tho sale" of meat.

WORKERS WARNED AGAINST A ■STRIKE.

Melbourne, February 16. ■ Recognising tiie- seriousness of the threat by tho butchers' employees to cease work to-night, the- Council of tho Federated Employees' Union is considering the question of taking charge of the dispute between tlie masters and men both in Sydney and inSielhaurno. Representatives of tho various States wore informed of the danger of a strike. The Melbourne representatives suggested applying to tha Court for a compulsory conference, but it is reported that tlie Sydney employees-do not favour a conference, preferring tf> fight without interference.

WHAT THE DEMANDS MEAN. The 48 hours' week'' demanded by the men would be a reduction of eight hours per week, 56 being provided in the award, Tho change would mean employing two shifts, say tho "Sydney Moffling Herald." One shift to start at 6 a.m. and finish at 4.30, and tho other to begin at 8.30 a.m. and knock off at G p.m. In addition ,to this, which in itself would involve a bis expense, tho employers are asked to iJ-ay an extra' 10s. per week. Tho wages shopmen have been receiving were:—First shopman, ,£3 55.; second, £2 17s, fifl.j carter and assistant shopman, £2 10s.: carters, .£2 55.; salters, 55.; sniallgoodsmen, i 3 55.; assistant smallgoodsmen, <£2 17s. fid. Those are minimums, ddiiio good shopmen being paid up to £.5 per .week. Tlie resolution under which the strike is in progress is-to the following effect:— "That all employees in batchers' shops and sma-ligoods factories give their employers notice that, after Saturday, February 7.. ell employees work only 48 bours, such hours to ho worked between G a.m, and G p.m. on Mendays, Tuesdays, Th-ursfoys, and Fridays, to 12 noott on Wednesdays, and G to 5 on Saturdays; all holidays to be close holidays, and a rise of 10s. all Toiind; this to be universal throughout the metropolitan area."