ELECTRICIANS’ AWARD

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 131, 26 February 1921, Page 11

ELECTRICIANS’ AWARD

DEFINITION OF "CLUSTERMEN.”

Mr. J. S. Evans, S.M., yesterday, heard a case brought by Mr. K. T. Bailey, Inspector of Awards, against the vv ellington Harbour Board, in respect to an allege breach of the electrical workers award. Mr. T. Shailer Weston appeared for the board. The facts were that the wages ci seven men were .in dispute, ,two of whom the board claimed had. been receiving the award, rate. The amount was not actually received in cash, but it was claimed that concessions in respect to insurance benefits, superannuation, and a week’s holiday per annum on full pay had all to bo taken into account in averaging tho hourly rate of wage. . Mr. Bailey claimed that when considering the hourly rate of wage the specials” should not be taken into account. The other men involved in the dispute were "clustermen,” who connected the lines to cluster lights at points on the wharf and about the hatches of ships, so that vessels might be worked at night. At present, with one exception, the men are working as casuals at an hourly rate of 2s. The award rate was 2s. 3Jd., and the point in dispute was whether the dustermen were * practical journeymen electricians.” Mr. Weston claimed that it did not require a practical knowledge of electricity to be a "clusterman.” An electrician expert, called tp give evidence on behalf of tho board, stated that no practical knowledge of electricity was required for the work of a clusterman.

'The Magistrate said ho would reserve his decision. > . Mr. Weston asked that the Magistrate should not give a. decision, but state a case for the consideration of the Arbitration Court. Mr. Eirans stated that in his official capacity he was clothed with certain judicial powers that ho could not pass on to a higher court, except in accordance with accepted legal procedure.