Operations at the plant of J. Wiss & Sons Co., cutlery manufacturers, of 31 Littleton avenue, were at a standstill today following a walkout of workers yesterday in a dispute over union recognition.

Pickets were reported parading in front of the plant this morning. All production of scissors and shears has been halted, a company spokesman said.

The dispute stems from efforts of Local 301, Playthings, Jewelry and Novelty Workers, CIO, to obtain recognition as bargaining agent for the 500 production workers at the plant. This union has petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a representation election and claims to have membership cards signed by a majority of the workers.

Norman F. Wiss Sr., executive vice president and treasurer of the company, called the walkout a wildcat strike, however, and said the concern currently has a contract with an independent union of Wiss workers. This contract does not expire until November 4, 1952, he said.

The company has not received any demands from the workers who have walked out, Wiss said, and has not been informed of any grievances existing between employees and management. The union has not as yet made any public statement of its position in the walkout.