The need for the additional working hours came as more and more stores were selling pre-packaged meat. In order to stay competitive with the larger stores, butchers would need to work more than their already stretched hours.

Originally, the major stores had agreed to stop selling the pre- packaged meat, however demand from the public was so high that they decided to sell meat again.

President of the Master Butchers Association, H. Siversten, said that although all butchers would support the decision, they were not pleased with the situation and its long range effects. They would now have to open on weekdays, Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Staff would be asked to work more hours and overtime would need to be paid.

"The butchers are in a ridiculous situation. However, we are trying to look after the trade and do the best we can for the public. We will open on Friday nights for as long as we have to" Siversten said.

The matter was due to be discussed at the meeting of the Australian Meat Employee's union that week.

See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/11463790