Go-slow in Auckland Abattoirs

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 52, 4 March 1944, Page 5

Go-slow in Auckland Abattoirs

MEN AFRAID RATIONING WILL AFFECT JOBS. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March *. While the Auckland butchers faced a pre-rationing demand for meat today equal to that normally experienced at Christmas many shops had smaller supplies than usual owing to the reduced killings at the City Council Abattoirs due to go-slow tactics by tho employees on Tuesday and Wednesday. The shortage particularly applied to beef and mutton. No official statement has been made, but it is understood that following a stop-work meeting on Tueedav tho men considerably reduced their output and the smaller output was continued on Wednesday, but after discussions with the management on Thursday moruiug there was a return to normal conditions. The reason for the men’s action is stated to be a fear that some may Jose their employment at the abattoirs owing to the reduced killings resulting from rationing. Borne of the slaughtermen, of whom there are about 30 at the abattoirs, are afraid that they may be transferred to freezing works and do not relish the prospect. The Minister of Labour (Hon. P. C. Webb) was advised of the action taken by the men and he directed a Government official to investigate tho trouble. His services were not required, however, owing to the men's decision to resume the normal output on Thursday. The reduced output meant that the abattoirs was not able to fill all the butchers’ orders on Tuesday and Wednesday. The killings were limited to lambs and calves on Thursday and many butchers were unable to get their lull requirements of beef and mutton. To-day the abattoirs was able to complete the slaughtering of the balance of the week’s orders and this meat will be delivered to-morrow which is normally a non-delivery day.