WORK ON THE WHARVES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2604, 28 October 1915, Page 6

WORK ON THE WHARVES

MEN'S GRIEVANCES. A deputation of tfhe Wellington Waterside Workers' Union waited on the Harbour Board last night to discuss the question of the pressing'"of wool by outside firms, the use of tne waiting room in X Store for casual workers in the board's employment, the manner of appointing men classed as odd men to gangs of workers, and the question of over-weight slings of cargo. Mr. G. Bruco said that tho amount of wool pressed in the Harbour Board's stores was getting less and less year b.y year, more being pressed in outside stores. Tho reason for this was that the wages paid in these, stores was la. 3d. per hour ordinary time and Is. Bd. per hour overtime, as against Is. Gd. per hour ordinary time and 2s. 3d. per hour overtime, paid by the Wellington Harbour Board. Mr. Roberts (chairman of tho union) suggested that tho board should increase the wharfage rates on wool pressed in outside stores. These outside .presses were undercutting the board's appliances, and the firms by paying less wages were undercutting tho men on tho wharves. It was impossible for the union to press these workmen into their organisation. Mr. Glover, urged that all labour should bo engaged at one place, instead of in several places as now. He also asked tho board to pay attention to big slings of cargo, because the over-weight-ing of slings caused risk to the lives of workers on the wharves. Tho dumping over of those heavy loads on to trucks was contrary to tho spirit of the agreement. Mr. P. Murphy asked tho hoard to give a direction that men regularly on the waterfront should be given preference of employment over men who camo on to the wharf only occasionally for a day or two or perhaps for a week. Ho did not say that this was of frequent occurrence, but the union had had numerous complaints on the subject. Mr. .G. Bruce asked that a list should ha drawn up and tho men allotted to gangs in rotation, all things being equal. By way of a question Mr. Fletcher pointed out that it was illegal for the board to make a preferential charge for wharfage on some wool as against other wool. Mr. Roberts urged that tho board might give the union moral support if they should try to get the workers dimping. wool for Levin and Co. into the union. The chairman, on behalf of the board, promised that tlio requests of the deputation would have full consideration.