THE FREEZING INDUSTRY.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 April 1919, Page 7

THE FREEZING INDUSTRY.

SLAUGHTERMEN'S RATES INCREASED.

The conference between representatives of the freezing companies and th Employees' Association concluded, a four days' sitting at Wellington. The various awards and industrial agreements governing the relations of the employers and the men had expired or were just near an end. The object of the conference was to arrange a new industrial agreement to apply to all freezing factortios. This was not an easy .task. A good many practical difficulties were encountered in attempting to reconcile the customs and'conditions of all districts. By a little give and take, these have, it is hoped, been satisfactorily adjusted. The agreement arrived at. will be for

two years, running from August 31st next. After careful consideration and taking into consideration the cost of living, 'the recent decisions of the Arbitration Court at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, the nature of the freezing workers' business and its want of continuity of service, the minimum wage has been fixed at 1/9. The rates for slaugh-

tei'inen liavc boon settled at 35/ per 100 for sheep, and 32/6 for lamb, ox and cow beef 2/3 per bead. On minor lines a flat rate is readied generally 'by an increase to existing schedule rates of ten per cent. ■ Although the new agreement will

not conic into operation "before next season, the new rates will be paid as from April 7th, The negotiations, although prolonged, were conducted throughout on reasonable lines, tlie men's delegates urging . their claims with ability and perseverance.