COAL SETTLEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1920, Page 3

COAL SETTLEMENT

PIECE WORKERS GET 50 PER CENT INCREASE.

, DAY WORKERS 60 PER CENT.

[V-R PUP,ftp ARpriniATlQN.—cqrYniOHT.i

WELLINGTON, This Day. The coal-miners’ agreement has been ratified, and the full text is now published. The terms of the National Agree ment are *'to be embodied in all local agreements; other terms are to be settled between individual unions and the companies, and the settlements registered under the Arbitration Act. The minimum wage is 12s a shift; piece workers have received 50 per cent increase on pre-war rates; day workers 60 per cent, except ip the cqse of shift men who receive a flat rate pf 18s a shift.

The rates are not to be amended during the currency of the agreement, lyliich is for one year. Two-pence per top, in addition to ordinary rates fqc two-shift mines, and ls6d extra yardage in double shiftplaces, , Day-shift men are to receive 6d extra op afternoon and niglitshifts. Not more than six pairs of miners shall be employed on the third shift, except in an emergency. . Threepence extra por ton shall be paid for three shift places; and all rails to belaid by the Companies which also undertake to supply explosives at present prices. All trucking is to be done by con-

tracts. Christia Bros., Taratu, Night- . Caps, Waronui, and Jubilee mines are ' exempted from this, but owners are requested to use influence to bring them into line. The hours to work are to remain tho same. ’Xmas and New Year holidays from 24th December to 4th January. District and National Disputes Committees are constituted ; and it is express ly provided that no strikes, lockout “goslow,” or unnecessary stoppage shall take’ place till the matter has been referred to the National Committee, the decision of which-is to be binding.