The Bonus Cut

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1922, Page 2

The Bonus Cut

fliY tEI.EGItAIUt—PEtt pufcss association] BUTCHERS STOP WORK. CHRISTCHURCH, May 9 For a reason that is not yet clear, hut is supposed to he id honnection with the decisioii bf the Arbitration Court concerning.-the bonus, question the butchers employed at the works of the North Canterbury Sheep Farmers’ Freezing Company, at Kaiapoi, stopped work shortly after 8 a.nt. to-day. CHRISTCHURCH, May 9. An appeal against the bonus judgment is advocated by Mr J. McCombs, M.P., who appeared for the Unions at the hearing on the grounds that the judgment was not given on the evidence submitted, but introduced new matter to which the workers’ representatives should have an opportunity of replying. LABOUR UNIONS DIVIDED. WELLINGTON, May 9. There is a divergence of opinion in Labour circles on the question of the Arbitration Court’s pronouncement with regard to the reduction to the cost of living bonus. While some trade unionists are inclined to view the amount of the reduction as being reasonable, there i are others who contend the Court has inflicted an injustice on the general I body of workers, as they consider any j decline that may have taken place in the cost of living, according to the Government Statistician’s figures, is not appreciable to the extent of justifying a lowering of wages at the present time. Something in the nature of a criticism of the Workers’ Representative on Court (Mr M. J. Reardon) was made by the Trades Union Secretary, who opposed the Court’s pronouncement. He expressed great surprise that the workers’ representative was, apparently, with the judge of the Court as far as the decision was concerned, and that it was the representative of the employers who had protested against the Court’s decision. The general order of the Court, giving effect to the reduction of the bonus, takes effect as from May 15th. Before the employers reduce wages, however, they have to give, notice of their intention to do so. ! On the other hand the unions work- [ ing under awards who wish to claim exemption from the order must apply to the Court. f It is likely numerous applications for ’ exemption trill be •