WORK AND WAGES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 65, 9 November 1912, Page 2

WORK AND WAGES.

THE DISPUTE AT HUXTLY

(Per Press Association.) Auckland, November 8

The secretary of the Waikato Miners’ Union applied at the Mines Office to-day for a copy of the pay dockets, to which the miners held they were entitled under section 100 of the Coal Mines Act. This was refused, on the ground that the men were not now working under the arbitration award. A. circular issued by tire organiser of the new union states that such rapid progress has been made that an agreement has boon arrived at with the company, whereby every man now starting work at (jhe mines has to sign on with the new union, and in a few weeks the award will have been arranged. The new union provides liberal accident and benefit funds, and legal methods of settling all disputes, in virtue of which it is in a position to compel the Coal Co. not to recognise any other union.

“COMING OFF SHIFT.”

Waihi, November 8

The men, numbering about 250, when coming off shift this afternoon, marched down the mine road into the main street. An open passage way was made for them and as they passed along one section indulged in “booing” while others cheered. At the bottom of the street the men mounted the brakes and were driven home. Hitherto the brakes were driven on to the mine property, wnere the men embarked.

BAKERS AND PASTRY COOKS

Dunedin, November 8

When tho bakers’ and pastry cooks’ dispute came before the Arbitration Court to-day Mr Haynes (for the union) asked the Court to direct that a conference be held, between the employees and representatives of the union. His Honor, Mr Justice Sim, asked if they were not prepared to accept an award that had been made in Auckland and Wellington. When the Court heard the Auckland dispute, it was unidenstood that any award made should govern the rest of the Dominion. The Auckland award was practically a Dominion award in substance if not in name, and the Court thought it should be accepted without further talk. He thought it was absurd to ask the Court to reconsider the matter. “The workers say they want uniformity, and the employers want uniformity, and when they get the opportunity for it they do not want it. It seems to be absurd, after general conditions are fixed you want local variation.” After a further discussion the president offered the parties an award, or they could allow the dispute to stand over till next year. Mr Haynes again pressed the need of a conference, when His fdonor remarked that it was most improper to attempt to go back on what was really an understanding between the employers and workers. They would be wise if they applied for an award now. After an adjournment of an hour it was subsequently stated that the Auckland award would bo accepted, but they would like bread-bakers to be allowed to start work at three o’clock on Wednesday morning, which was the usual half-holiday. The employers and workers would like that pastry cooks should have New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Labour Day, and six days’ holiday on full pay, in lieu of other general holidays, when they would work on ordinary pay, instead of receiving time and a half. His Honor said the Court would consider the matters.