TIMBER WORKERS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1926, Page 1

TIMBER WORKERS

ARGUMENT IN WELLINGTON CASE. WELLINGTON, Sept. 8. Argument in the Wellington Timber AVorkers’ dispute was heard at to-day’s sitting of the Arbitration Court, when the employers demanded an increase in wages and a reduction in hours to 4-1 a week, the provision of waterproof clothing and accommodation sheds for outdoor workers and a dining room for all workens. Air Read, for the workers, said that the union was strongly convinced that a weekly wage should operate in the city as the vast bulk of the members were regularly employed in one place. A wage of Is lid an hour was agreed to in Christchurch and the lowest wage in the present case should be based on not less than that figure. General labourers had been granted Is lid per hour. Air Justice Frazer said that the Court only fixed the minimum wage and expected employers where they could afford it and where workers were capable, to pay additional wages. After argument bad been advanced in support of tlio balance of the claim. Air Hammond, for the employers, opposed tho claim. He said it was unfair to ask for reduced hours, which meant reduced production, and increased wages, which meant- added cost. The general rule was 46 or 48 hours. Wages, too were standardised with a minimum of 15s a day. If the Court fixed the rate of pay at more than Is 10U1 an hour it would he making away from the standard. Tlie Court’s decision was reserved.