Seven-Hour Day In Privately-Owned N.Z. Coal Mines

Grey River Argus, 31 March 1948, Page 5

Seven-Hour Day In Privately-Owned N.Z. Coal Mines

AUCKLAND, March 30 Higher wages for coal miners at the privately-owned mines througnout the Dominion will apply from April b, it a recommendation of the Coal Mines Council is adopted by the Government. The recommenaation follows the hearing of a claim by the United Mine Workers for the application of tne seven-hour clay tor underground workers in all prviately-own-ed mines. In its decision on the claim, which was heard in Wellington on March 18, the Council states that it had reached the conclusion that as the seven-hour day had been granted by the Government respecting the Stateowned mines, it would not be practicable for privately-owned mines to work on a different basis. It would be difficult to estimate the increased cost in advance, ft reccommended tnat the cost be met by a subsidy for three months, after which the selling price of coal should be adjusted and the subsidy discontinued. The proposed seven-hour day would be introduced on April 5. CONTRACT AND PIECE WORK

In consideration of the reduction in working hours,, the hewers on piece rates and truckers on contract or bonus schemes should receive an allowance of one hour comupted at the daily wage rate. This is only for those working the full shift. The council also makes full provision for other coal production workersA representative of one Waikato-privately-owned mine said that coal production would not be greatly affected, because for years the men had worked only a seven-hour shift. The wage cost of production would rise at least 121 per cent, and probably 17 per cent. ‘“This is realty a wage increase under another name,” he added. “The men are to be paid for the hour they never worked, even though the eight-hour day was written ..into the agreement.” He thought the extra cost to the four private Waikato coal mines would exceed 12000 weekly. This would be covered by a subsidy fqr three months and possibly the Government would then be ready to take over the mines