ENGINEER’S STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1932, Page 5

ENGINEER’S STRIKE

STATEMENT MADE DISCONTENTMENT DOMINION. (Per Press Associaiioni— Copyright.) WELLINGTON, October 10. A statement has been made on behalf of the Amalgamated Engineers and Allied Trades Union by the secretaries of tlie three’ sections involved m the Wellington strike. The statement says, inter alia: “Discontent Is widespread throughout New Zealand against the unwarranted attack on the standard of living by the Employers’ Federation.’ The proposals of the employers, printed in the guise of “awards,” are repugnant not only to the workers, but also to a large proportion of the employers. Dirt money and meal money have been reduced, but the most Callous proposal is - a new clause dealing witli female labour, which labour is introduced, for the first time, into our awards. The work in the engineering industry is most unsuitable for women, it being in many cases of a dirty nature. , The environment of a foundry is detrimefital to both the physical and the moral condition of women.” PLUMBING APPRENTICES’ PAY. JUDGE RESERVES DECISION. WELLINGTON, October 10. Under the Fnanee Act, 1932, a Magistrate has the power to vary contracts of apprenticeship. To-day Mr T. B. McNeil, S.M., heard applications from a number of employers in respect of their contracts with twenty-four apprentices to the plumbing trade. The employers were asking for a reduction in the standard award rates payable to their apprentices, and for the right to ration the work. The case is proceeding. The hearing occupied the whole afternoett. Decision was reserved. FURTHER WAGE CUTS. HAIRDRESSERS’ DISPUTE. WELLINGTON, October 10. The Wellington hairdressers’ dispute was the subject?<6’f proceedings to-day before Conciliation. Commissioner W. Newton. There' was a marked divergence of opinion on the wages issue, and no agreement had been reached at the luncheon: adjournment, Mr Mountjoy proposed an adjournment for k fortnight in order that the position could be discussed more frilly by both .parties. 1 'This did not mean, he said, that the Employers were necessarily prepared to offer anything further. On • he contrary, they might decide to revert to their original offer. The proposed adjournment was agreed to. The meeting then proceeded to discuss cthrir clauses, the employers’ proposals for a number of them being agreed to' subject' to an agreement being reached on the wages issue.