WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 175, 23 January 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

RAILWAY WORKERS' GRIEVANCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Beefton, Monday. Trouble has arisen at Reefton and Inangahua Junction railway* formation works. Last November one gang refused to take pay averaging 6s 9d per shift (18 shifts). The matter was referred to the Department, but the men were kept out of their money till a I week ago, when a departmental official offered them Os <Jd with further work, [ or 10s per shift with dismissal for disobedience. The men claimed 10s per j day, especially as since November 10s j per day had been granted for that special work. The men were then dismissed and another gang ordered either to take up their work or else leave. They refused to supplant their mates, and were denied work, day laborers being put on in their place. General discontent is expressed with the sjstem of co-operative works on that line. Most of the men discharged are married men with families, living' on the works. STEAMSHIP OWNERS AND SEAMEN. Wellington, Last Night. The conference between the representatives of the steamship owners and the Seamen's Union, concerning wages and 'forking • cOftditions, was resumed this morning and continued throughout the afternoon. Good- progress is being .made towards an • amicable settlement of the various matters in dispute 1 , deliberations will be resumed to-morrow.