SLAUGHTERMEN REFUSE TO WORK.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8738, 12 February 1907, Page 2

SLAUGHTERMEN REFUSE TO WORK.

But Do Not Strike.

Per Press Association,

Wellington, February 12,

A strike is stated to hare occurred ajn ongst slauglitermeu employed by dbe Gear Meat Company and Welling, ton Meat Export Co, Th? men are <iajd to have demanded ah increase of 25 per cant in killing rates.' There is an Arbitration Court agreement as to the rate to be paid. The strike is a serious matter, as the killing yards are said to bo full, with large supplies coming forward. Later. The trouble between the slaughtermen and the local meat companies means that about 130 men have ceased work, and if they continue out some 600 hands in all will be affected. Briefly put, the men arc at present paid £1 per 100 sheep and they want 2os and overtime rates after certain hours, The companies offered 21s, and also offered that if the award of the Arbitration Court at the expiry of the present award fixed a higher rate they would pay that rate from the present time, meaning thacthemcn would get this as back pay. Up to the present no settlement has been arrived at, though t!io employers are hopeful. The men, who killed sufficient this morning for local suppliers, deny they are on strike—they have merely refused to accept work at the rate offered.