STRIKE OF STONEMASONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 15, 12 October 1918, Page 8

STRIKE OF STONEMASONS

AT PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.

The stonemasons employed on tho now Parliament Buildings recently asked for 2s. an hour (an increase of 2d. ,on tho award rate of Is. 10d.). As the employers did not grant the request, the men (about-16) left the job, as from Tuesday evening. The award of the Court was made about four months ago for a period of two years. In reply to the demand for 2s. an hour, which was made on tho ground of cost of living, the contractors, Messrs. Hansford and Mills, proposed that as there was a shortage of labour the men should agree to work an hour's overtime, at time and a quarter, with a bonus of Bd. lor the.ninehour day. Thus the pay for nine hours would have been 17s. 7Jd., as against lCs. for eight hours (on the basis requested by the men). The employers' offer was declined.

The contractors explain that they havo already paid more than 2s. aii hour to men who havo proved their ability to earn a higher rate than the average, but they are not willing to concede a flat rate of 25., irrespective Of individual merit. One mason leceived £5 for 44 hours' work.

. As it is alleged that the employees' action constitutes a breach of award, the ■■ Labour Department is investigating the case.

The masons' decision does not hinder any important work on the buildings. The contractors say that the roof ia complete, <yid that the masonry which remains to bo done is above the roof.

There will be no stoppage of general buildings operations during the session.