LABOR DISPUTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1924, Page 1

LABOR DISPUTES.

TRAMWAY'S ‘JUiGURATIONS

[llY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, .May 2» The Government lias been asked by the Tramways Federation ol Employees of New Zealand to gazette regulations under the Tramways Act, 1910. In the interests of tlie public and of

the employees, certain regulations have been drafted, and these were considered to-day by a conference of representatives of councils, tramway

hoards, and of the employees. Delegates were present from Auckland; Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Invercargill, Wanganui, New Ply-

mouth, Napier and Tukapuna. The Minister of Public Works opened the conference, lie said that the Government, and indeed he lelt sure, all those present, desired to know whether the proposed regulations were in the best interests of the general public, tramway hoards, and the cm-

ployees. Ho referred to the previous conference on those regulations, and said that so far no unanimity had been brought about between the employees. It- was bis duty to see fair play between the parties, and that was his object in calling the conference. It was for those present to say if a ease could be made out for putting regulations into operation. The question naturally arose bad the conditions been altered since the regulations were dealt wiih\nt the last conference which made il nece-sary that the regulations should he gazetted. Air Furkert, Knginer-in-cliief, suggested the conference take the regulations clause by clause. J here wore very few points at issue between Hie two sides. It would not therefore bo necessary to argue every clause atresh. Air t . Ilobbs, .secretary of the Trainways Employees’ Federation, remarked that at the previous conference, the employers’ representatives agreed that new regulations were necessary. Air K. A. Wright replied that no such agreement was arrived at. Air Hobbs maintained that the new regulations should be gazetted. DlMVFit*’ DISPUTE. WELLINGTON, May 29. !u the Dominion Drivers’ dispute, before the Conciliation Council, after several clauses had been tentatively agreed to, the employers submitted a scheme of wages which, it "'as given to understand. was the maximum that could be offered by them. Flic Union representatives retired to dis-eu-s the offer, and returned with an intimation that they were unable to accept it. Thereupon it was decided To refer the wages and hours—everything in fan, with the exception of a few machinery classes—to the Arbitration Court.

SHIPPING DISPUTE. SYDNEY, -May 29. lu the Federal Arbitration Court, the Steamship Owners Association complained ol the hold up ol vessels which was due to the illegal demands made by the Seamen's Union and its members. After hearing argument, Air Justice Powers ordered the men to return to work and directed the employers, within a week of resumption of work, to discuss with the Union Executive the matters in dispute. If the parties were unable to arrive at a settlement, he directed that a Hoard be appointed to hear the dispute, both parties to agree to abide bv it- decision.

In the event of the employers not acting in accordance with the Court’s decision, the Union will he entitled to apply for an award covering the disputed matters, and if the Union failed to act as directed, the employers are to move for it-- deregistration. The parties are further directed to agree to the appointment of some representatives for a reference Hoard for tlie settlement of future disputes. The Court adjourned the hearing of the owners' application (cabled Alav 19) pending the result of the action agai n-t the Union officials in another Court.