Three Hundred Idle at Westfield Works

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 278, 14 February 1928, Page 1

Three Hundred Idle at Westfield Works

FRUITS OF GO-SLOW

A FEELING of unrest which has prevailed at the Westfield Freezing Works for a couple of days, culminated yesterday afternoon, when some 300 men were rendered idle by the ■ closing down of the works.

rpHE immediate cause of the trouble is a dispute concerning the classification of sheep. One of the butchers claimed the extra rate of 4Jd for killing a “stag.” According to Mr. R. D. Rogers, representing the managing agents of the works, a dispute arose on Friday as to whether one of the sheep was a “stag,” for which extra rates were payable. The award provided that the foreman butcher should decide, and on the question being referred to him he held that the sheep did not come under the designation. The men did not accept this, and it was af tew ards confirmed by the Government veter-

narian. The men then started a goslow policy, which continued over Saturday and yesterday morning the manager offered to call the Disputes Committee, but stipulated that work must meantime continue under normal conditions. This condition was not accepted, with the result that some 250 men were paid off yesterday morning and another 50 men will have to go if the trouble is of any duration. No statement is available officially from the union side. Beyond admitting that there is a dispute the officials will not make any statement until after a meeting of members to be held to-night.