44-HOUR-WEEK

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1981, 11 February 1914, Page 8

44-HOUR-WEEK

— DEMANDS BY" THE IRON-WORKEB3 . (By releerlap-h.-I'resis Afsocifttion-l Ounsdln, February ID. Jlr. J, E. Triggs, Conciliation Commissioner, held a sitting this morning with the object of settling the dispute between_ the Qtago Boilermakers' and Iron Shipbuilding Union of Workers and tho employers. I'iie union was represented by Messrs. J. O'Brien, 'I. M'Lean, and F. V. Fail, and' the employers 'by' McsSr-s.' T. Gillies, 'J:'-' Stcy-, er.son, and H. C. Wilson. The Commissioner said that ho had been given _to understand that if an' ■agreoaient was arrived at it Wonid be made a. Demiinton award, and that that ,w.is tho reason Mr. O'Brien was present from Ghristohureli. Mr, Gillies, speaking of the proposals, said that if the 44.4t0a-rs' week was going to bo granted,. the employers preferred that that should bo brought about by legislation. There Ts'ero so inaijy different branches -of trade .itwork in the- business that if men were .going to work under different awards they would Jiover • know where they were. Sir. O'Brien intimated that , the engineers would slt-oftly be asking for a 44-hours' week. > Mr. Gillies replied that the employ- . ers preferred that t-ho engineers and boilermskers -should come before the Council at the same time. . ■ Mr. Triggs Asked whether the representatives of the union had instructions not t-o depart from the proposals, and Mr. O'Brien replied that they cquld liot. ; Tho Commissioner suggested that the . delegates from 'Auckland, Wellington, Christehurchj.and Dune'dia should Jneet at Chri'stehureh, and endeavour to niako a Dominion award. Mr. Gillies expressed tho opinion that tho best plan'would be for the Arhitra» : tion Court to take evidence in the dif--1 feront centres, and then make an award. It was eventually decided . to- refer tbo dispute to tho Arbitration Court for ■settlement.