WORK AND WAGES.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1923, Page 2

WORK AND WAGES.

[BY TELECIIAPII—PEIt CHESS ASSOCIATION. AY El. LING TON. November 22. The framing of the wages and conditions in the painting and decorating trade, to apply to all parts of the Dominion. is the subject of a large conference iff employers and employees, before Air Newton. Conciliation Commissioner. The Federation seeks 2s 9(1 an hour as the rate of wage as against tho employers’ coui.'U''- proposal of 2s an hour. Meal money is asked tor of Is Oil when work is continued after 5 p.m. The employers propose the sun" rates for apprentices as at present, hut the employees propose £1 5s a week for t!ic first dx months, with an increase of 5s every six months, until the tenth period of six months, when the wage would he £3 10s. Double pay is sought 4* !,v the unions for overtime work, where as the employers propose 3s an hour I'm- the first four hours, and -Is an hour iill ii a.m. Against the 10 hours five (lay week sought by the Federation, tho _ /- employers a-k tor a l-l hours wi-'-k ot 5> days. There are also differences between the claims in respect to piece work, suburban work, and preference. Application for special exemptions were made l,y the AA ellington Board. the Union Steam Ship Company and the freezing companies, in accordance with the exemptions granted by the Arbitration Court. Ihe L nion Corn, puny sought a definition of “skilled painter.” maintaining that no skill was required in painting ships hulls. Tho AA aimea County Council also sougat exemption. Alter much discussion, the whole quus lion was referred to the Arbination Court. 4