PUBLIC WORKS WAGES.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1923, Page 1

PUBLIC WORKS WAGES.

UNION .MEETS MINISTER. [by TFI.KOIIAIMI —VF.lt PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, June 21 conference between representatives of the New Zealand Workers’ t iitou and the Minister of Public Works and DeparLini'iital officers was held to-day, tti discuss proposals lor a new agreement. covering U.v men employed on the various Public Works undertakings throughout the Dominion. In explaining th" proposals on behalf of the men. Mr (Oayndler (Secreta rv oi the Now Zealand Workers I linin' stall'd that it was desired that an improvement should lie obtained on the conditions prevailing. It was asked that the present interim rates of pay should he revised to Lite extent ot a ten per cent increase, to be added to the wages of all section, and that all men working in tunnels (with the exception of shift bosses and gangers) he placed oil the same -cii'e ot waves, and that all the men working in quarries (extent bammer and ilrii! men) be paid the ..tune wage. The hammer and drill men. ii was suggested, should he paid Is per dnv extra. The schedule should include blacksmiths, carpenters, riveters, motor lorry drivers, engine drivers. firemen, cleaners, gimros. fitters, stationary engine cleaners, and pump attendants, who should till receive a ten per cent increase on the minimum rates provided in the various industrial awards which cover these Hasses ol workers. For men working in wet places, ihe Union wanted the weekly hours reduced front 17 to li. Instead of time and a quarter, it was proposed llitii overtime should he paid for at the rate f lime and a half, and that the weekly wage-earners should he paid overtime for all work done over and above the ordinary working day. Ten minutes each morning and afternoon was asked for “Smoke-ohs,’ such tini" to l;o paid for. As Territorials lmvc to comply with the Alilltnry Training Act. it was requested that these men lie paid for all the time occupied in attending drill-. Various minor additions in exist : t:g conditions were pressed bv Mi Gnu mller, who urged that the provision of ihe 3919 agreement with respect to hut accommodation should he re-established, and that bathing conveniences should lie provided, and also separate conveniences for each family. Th ■■ Union is prepared to take full responsibility for the care and control of lint ments erected hv the Department for its employees.

The T’n'ou asks for i!:e relief system to he aboli-'rcd. This system debases the men to the lowest rung on the human ladder of starvation. It is a fact that tiif men so etnploied find it impossible to earn sufficient to more than maintain theiufiofves, their wives and children in a ini'Crab!.' existence. I~" conference was adjourned to "llow the Aliuister to attend a deputation.