LIME WORKERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 212, 7 August 1937, Page 14

LIME WORKERS.

NEW AWARD PROPOSED

TERMS AGREED UPON

Proceedings were continued in the Conciliation Council, sitting in Palmerston North yesterday under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, Mr R. E. Price, in which the Wellington Labourers’ and Related Trades Industrial Union sought an award covering the employment of those engaged in the lime production industry, whether burnt lime or agricultural After negotiations which proceeded the greater portion of the afternoon, it was agreed that 44 hours a week should be worked from February 1 to August 1, the busiest part of the year, and 40 hours for the remainder of the year. The 6ix-mojithly periods may be varied by mutual consent in ordei to suit particular conditions. five-day week was decided on, tlie hours of work to be between 7.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. with an interval of not jess than half ail hour for a meal. In order to allow for the making up of time owing to wet weather, it was agreed that an extra hour might bo worked each day provided that the time lost each week shall lie made up not later than the Thursday of the following week. The minimum rate of wages was fixed at £4 8s 4d a week. Casual workers’ wages were fixed at 2s 4d an hour. Workers in charge are to receive 10s a week extra and certificated drill-men or quarry-men (not workers in charge or foremen) 3d an hour extra while they are engaged in the use of explosives. Drill-men and quarrymen (where not foremen or workers in charge) while engaged in such duties are to receive 2d an hour extra. Overtime was agreed on as time and a-hnlf for the first four hours and double time thereafter. Sunday work is to be paid for at double ordinary rates. The term of the award was agreed on as one year, to date from August 1. Provision was made for the employment of youths in and about the works, the proportion of youths to adult workers to be a matter for arrangement between the employer and the union, The award is also to make provision for shift work. It was also agreed that the days between Christmas and New Year be holidays for permanent workers. The council closed with a vote of thanks to Mr Price for ably presiding.