TIMBER AGREEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1933, Page 7

TIMBER AGREEMENT

QUESTION OF MINIMUM WAGE, Last week, when the Conciliation Council sat in Greymouth, to consider the dispute existing between the employers and employees, of the timber industry on tire West Coast, Mr C. Ritchie, Commissioner, presided. The employers were represented by Messrs J. W. Calwell,. W. Ogilvie, Gutlme, and McDonald (Secretary of the Federation). Messrs G. Topp, President, J.- Wills, G. Harwood and F. L. Turley, (secretary), represented the employees. A lengtliy discussion took place on all matters connected with the proposed new agreement, and the parties came to terms on all points excepting the rates of pay, and overtime. Interviewed yesterday, says the Grey “Star” Mr F. L. Turley stated that the wages question was the main essential.

‘The employers present were prepared to submit a proposal to the other employers, for .a mimimum wage of 11s per day,” said Mr Turley. “This was also to be considered by the Union executive. The Conciliation Council adjourned for r. fortngiht from last Thursday. Unless the employers and employees are able to arrive at a satisfactory arrangement within 30 days from January 12, the award ceases to operate on the West Coast. The Union executive considered the matter, and do not intend taking less than 12s 8d per day a 9 the minimum wage. While not wishing for a clash, between owner and employee, which we realise would be bad for both we consider that 12s 8d is little enough. With the wages tax deducted, this would leave a man, and his family but 12s per day to live on. In the best of times, a mill does not work more than days, all the year round. The way in which the mills .are working to-day, provides for only to 4 days each week, so that, at a reasonable estimate, a, worker on the! minimum wag© of 12s 8d would earn only I*2 Bs.

“The position which Would obtain without an agreement, is that the employers could pay whatever wage they wished, and whenever they liked. At present the men are paid fortnightly orovided for under the agreement. Without, thjs the employers could yvri'k the men as long as they wished, without consideration. “I repeat what I said at the Conciliation Council, that during my 14 years’ experience with timber on the West Coast, I have never before sat on a Conciliation Council, at which the employers had made up their minds so definitely, to set down their proposals, and shift so little from them. With the law in their favour to-day, they are acting as dictators,” concluded Mr Turley.