SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8739, 13 February 1907, Page 2

SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE.

Per Press Association,

Wellington, February 12. Mr A. 11. Cooper, secretary to tliG Butchers’ Union, says ho did not know tho men intended to leave their work. The Union met on Monday evening ter consider tho employers’ replies to certain claims, and tho replies were considered unsatisfactory. The men wore not prepared to wait for-the Arbitration Court to settle tho matter, because tho season will be over before tho Court sits. A motion was carried imanimously that the secretary tako tho necessary steps to cancel tho registration of tho Union under the Arbitration Act, so as to give the men a legal right to strike. Mr Cooper says one of tho men’s claims is for payment for waiting time, which at times amounts to half an hour or three quarters of an hour. The men get employment only for about seven months each year. Mr Cooper adds that a few years ago tho men wore earning ,£G or £1 a week, but now the average rate for 12 months is considerably loss than an ordinary labourer would earn. On tho other hand one employer asserts that working from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m., with time off for threo meals, tho men could now earn ,£G to £7 per week for sis months yearly, and could then go to Australia! and find tho season there waiting;

Mr Mackny, chief clerk of the Labor Department, sent an inspector of awards to point out to the men their position in the face of tho law and to counsel pacific measures. The employers have offered, if tho men resume work, to guarantee to make retrospective any new award which ho Arbitration Court may make.