THREAT OF A STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1921, Page 4

THREAT OF A STRIKE.

ELTHAM BACON WORKERS. During the past few days some trouble has arisen at the Eltham branch of the New Zealand Meat Packing and Bacon Curing Company’s works, on account of the men demanding an increase of wages in accordance with the latest award, which, so far as can be gathered, the company is not prepared to pay. The men are not unionists, but base their demands upon the union rate of wages. In answer to an Eltham Argus representative yesterday Mr Dewhirst, the company’s local secretary, said the whole of the staff, with the exception of the heads of the departments, waited upori* him on Wednesday and delivered an ultimatum demanding the union rate of wages .fixed by the latest award, with the alternative that if this was not granted the men would go out on strike on Saturday. Mr. Dewhirst, after giving the matter due consideration, informed the men that he would subm’.t their demands to the head office, but could not sep his way to recommend compliance with them. The reason for his attitude was explained by th? s*eretary, who said the bottom had fall n right out of the slaughtering business just at present, -while the wa-jes being paid are quite good. The demand of the men is for 15 per cent, additional wages.