MINERS' WAGES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2708, 1 March 1916, Page 8

MINERS' WAGES

PROPOSALS FOR- A NEW AGREEMENT. The following reply has been received by the secretarv of the Ohinemuri Mines and Batteries Employees' Union relative to the recent conference between tie representatives of the mine-owners and the Miners' Union respectively:— "In reference to proposals submitted by your union for a new agreement with the mining companies, and which wore discussed at a conference between the union and companies on February 15, we are not prepared to consent to any increase in wages or to shorten hours of labour. We are also unable to agree to any other clause that differs from the old agreement. With reference to Clause 4 (dirt money), we -are willing to pay Is. per shift oxtra for repair work at or through boiler flues or inside boilers. With reference to contracts, we are willing that wherever possible all (underground work (with the exception of timbermen'6 work) will be carried out on straight-out contract, also that as far as possible the companies ivill coutimie to let contracts to •small parties of contractors, but tho companies must retain the right to allow nontractors to take on wages men in ccrtain circumstances. We would point out that although the cost of living lias risen during the last nighteon months, tho cost of almost all mining stores has also risen considerably, and in addition to this the mining companies are now paying very heavy increased taxation. .Wo arc satisfied that tho mining industry as a whoie cannot stand increased wages." The reply is signed by tho companies' representatives as follows.—E. G. Banks (Waihi G.M. Co), W.'F. Grace (Grand Junction Gold Co.), A. Daldy (Waihi Reefs Consolidated), H. Langdon (Waihi Extended G.M. C 0.).,