WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 211, 5 March 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

' CANTERBURY STONE MASONS' DISPUTE. * By Telegraph—Press Association. Ghristohurch, Last Night, The industrial dispute between the Canterburj' Stonemasons' Union and the Christchurch builders came before the Conciliation Council to-day, Commissioner J. R. Triggs presiding. The majority of the union's demands were agreed to by the employers. In the clause relating to the conveyance of men to suburban work'there was considerable discussion, the Hon. J. Barr, for the union, urging that the men should not tie compelled to use the conveyance provided if it was easier for them to cycle. The employers desired a provision in the clause for "a suitable conveyance." The employers' request was acceded to by the union in order to secure consent to the retention of the preference clauses that had been in the previous award. It was decided that the awards should be of two years' duration. The new award will differ only slightly from the one previously in force. The wages and hours of work clauses were unaltered.

WATERSIDE WORKERS' DEMANDS. Invercargill, Last Night. The Bluff waterside workers are evidently not satisfied with the present award, which came into force last year and should not expire for another two years. It is understood that the new demands are on similar lines to those recently granted to the northern wharf laborers, and the men have asked the shipping companies' representatives to meet them in conference on March 14.

THE BAKERS' DISPUTE. Greymouth, Last Night. The dispute between the West Coast master bakers and their employees was brought before Mr. P. Hally (Conciliation Commissioner) to-day. The following agreement was come to: Wages of ordinary workers to be 60s per week; foremen's wages to be arranged between the parties; 48 hours per week; preference clauses agreed to, making it compulsory for non-unionists to become members of the union within seven days after notice has been served.

WEST COAST MINERS' DEMANDS.' Westport, Monday. Conferences commence to-morrow between representatives of the coal companies and the Miners' Union' regarding the men's demands for a new industrial agreement, covering increased demand* An amicable settlement is anticipated.