WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 113, 2 November 1911, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

AN ORGANISER OPTIMISTIC. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. Mr. Semple, organiser for the Labor Federation, interviewed, said the talk of a general industrial upheaval, fostered by the New Zealand Federation of Labor, is all empty gossip. Trouble is not likely to occur unless forced upon the organisation. Most of the federated unions were working amicably under agreements arrived at round the open table. In the coal industry matters were going smoothly, and no difficulty was likely to arise for some time at least. Auckland tramway employees would have the support of the federation in obtaining the men's demands, but no trouble was anticipated, because the demands made were reasonable. Mr. Semple added that he had a. thorough knowledge of the conditions throughout New Zealand from the industrial standpoint, and could say that no serious trouble was immi-' nent.

THE AUCKLAND STRIKE. Auckland,' Yesterday. While the labor strike was in progress two local bodies decided for financial reasons to curtail the expenditure on street works. These bodies reinstated only '"iri' of the men they employed previous to the strike. The union now asserts that there has been discrimination in favor of a few men, and calls upon the local bodies for an explanation, and threaten that if not satisfied they will call 'out the men employed and, if necessary, extend the strike.

LOCAL BODIES POSITION. Auckland, Last Night. In regard to tlie possible resumption of the strike owing to the trouble with local bodies over the alleged di3crimination shown in taking on the workers again, Mr. Semple stated to-night that the trouble as far as the Remuera Board was concerned was at an end, the union being satisfied that no discrimination was shown. The trouble as regards the Mt. Eden authorities will be discussed tomorrow.

THE PLASTERERS' STRIKE. Wellington, Yesterday. In connection with the plasterers' dispute the secretary of the Builders and Contractors' Association stated that it was difficult to understand why men actually in work were prepared to throw up is 7d per hour. The secretary of the union explains that the reason is that the union has applications for six men for eight' months' work at 2s per hour, and one for three months at £5 per week wet and dry. The award states that the minimum rates shall be Is 7d per hour, and in every case the employers in Wellington make the minimum the maximum. Although the minimum rate here is not above 'that in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, the employers in those cities have never made the minimum the maximum rate. RAILWAY SERVANTS' GRIEVANCES. Palmerston North, Yesterday. . The officials of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants in Palmerston gave an emphatic denial' to the statement published this morning that they intend to .strike. They do not deny that great dissatisfaction exists, and that they contemplate some action. The local secretary says: "Whatever we do we want the public's sympathy and not their condemnation. The question o? striking lias not even been mooted."

WATERSIDE 'WORKERS. Wellington, Last Night. The decision of the Wellington Waterside Workers to join the New Zealand Federation of Labor will bring about the resignation of the executive, apparently its members being all against the change, except Mr, larland, assistant secretary. The decision to join the Federation was carried by 430 to 276 votes. THE SHIPPING STRIKE. OFFICERS MAKE A PROPOSAL. Wellington, Last Night. It is understood that a proposal has been made bv the Merchant Service Guild to the (Shipowners' Federation for a settlement of the dispute which has resulted in the tying up of the smaller vessels trading in and out "of Wellington. It is suggested that the owners accept a reduction of hours, that monthly wages be a minimum of £l6 or £l7 per month for first mate, and £l3 or £l4 per month for second mates, according to character 'of steamer and trade, and £ll7 or £IS for mates where one mate only is carried. The Guild, it is said, has eliminated the question of overtime from the issue.