FACTORY DISPUTE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 November 1940, Page 7

FACTORY DISPUTE

TROUBLE AT FEATHERSTON THE EMPLOYEES’ CASE. AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. • Staling that it considered that all the relevant issues in the dispute between the employees and the management of a Featherston dairy factory last weekend had not been made clear, thereby causing a misunderstanding of the employees’ action, a commit l ee representing the workers, consisting of Messrs F. B. Shearsbury, I. Jensen and W. Stewart, yesterday issued ;; statement. In this it was stated that the men did not strike for an increase in wages, but because of a verbal assurance given them by the manager that they would receive £5 5s a week plus overtime for the whole season. It was also claimed that the men did rot go on strike. Though they had advised that this course would be taken, they had indicated their willingness to work on Sunday, produce the cheese, and then strike, but the manager had barred them from commencing work. The statement set out that the men's wages were reduced from £5 5s a week to £4 10s plus the cost of living bonus on October 1. Though this was in accordance with the award, the men had been given a verbal assurance by the manager that they would receive £5 a week.. plus the cost of living bonus for the whole season in view of the demand for increased production.

Last Sunday morning the men were quite willing to work all day, produce the cheese and then strike, but the manager barred them from commencing at 7 o’clock and they had to await the arrival of the directors to discuss the matter. The attitude of Mr B. Roberts, M.P., in the matter was strongly criticised. The men were most indignant at his allegations that the men’s hearts were not in their work and other insinuations of lack of patriotism. "He was asked to leave the room and was told he would be better at home looking after his tomatoes,” said the statement.

"We were then addressed by the chairman of directors who urged us to i Warn to work on the directors' conditions. The inspector cf factories from Masterton also heard our coinplaints and was quite sympathetic with us.”

The statement expressed resentment at the men being called “fifth columnists” by one of the directors. “We wish to state that we are as loyal to King and country as any man in New Zealand. Our trouble is not lack of unity with the Government or union, but with the management of the company.”

The complaints against the management were that one employee had 5s deducted from his wages to cover the cost of fixing a fuse; the alleged unsatisfactory state of the baches and bathrooms, short staffing in the factory resulting in men being changed from job to job to obviate the employment of two more hands. The statement also expressed resentment at a notice erected in the factory that the “staff are on strike for an increase in wages.” This' had created an erroneous impression in the minds of the suppliers, it was stated. The men had merely demanded that the assurance given them by the manager be kept.

It was announced that the dispute would be considered by the disputes committee on November- 4. but the following agreement had been reached: The company agrees to pay each man employed a bonus of £5 in addition to the rates of wages and other payments set down in the award, in return for efficient and loyal services. This bonus will be paid at the termination of employment by the company, and shall operate for this season only.