WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 296, 18 May 1914, Page 3

WORK AND WAGES.

ENGINEERS DESIRE AN AWARD. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Saturday. Steps are now being taken by the Wellington branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, in common with j branches in other centres, to secure a new industrial award. The demands J presented by the men are in some re- j spects far-reaching. In place of the | present working week of 4Cy 2 hours, j the men ask that this shall be cut down to 44, and at the same time demand | that very substantial increases in wages shall be granted all round. As against the ruling rate of from Is 3d to la 4Vod per hour, the men are now seeking a common rate of Is 8d per hour, and 1 for pattern makers, who are now receiving Is 4y a d, not less than is B'/ 2 <i per hour. For drillers, screwers and others machinists, not otherwise mentioned, Is 4 1 / a d per hour is sought, while for Icadim: hands an additional per cent, upon the rates mentioned is required. Another interesting claim is that the workers when required to travel by sea shall be allowed saloon fare:* in place of steerage. A worker employed outside the employer's establishment shall he paid one shilling per day extra or for any portion of a day. Employees shall be paid their fares both ways, and reasonable travelling expenses. and if required? to .stay away from home their board and lodging at. current rates. When travelling at night time by train, if at any time secondclass sleeping accommodation is provided, the employer shall allow a secondclass sleeping berth ticket. Special rates are demanded for overtime and work done on Sunday,s; and one shilling a day extra for dirty work; the payment of wages in the employer's time; the prohibition of piece work, and full preference to unionists. The proportion of apprentices to the number of journeymen, it is stated, shall be restricted to as one to four, and the Mowing rates shall be paid; First year, 10< per week; second year, 15s; third year. -2%; fourth year, 30<: and (iftji year. KV. A conference is proposed for the ilitli in3t.

A prominent ironmaster, when liv a. ronorti'r for his opinion a< to the men's demitmls, said he was disirnsted with them. Hcferring' to the request for salor>n'passage, lie said thi«' indeed was "the "last straw!" "The employel's," lie added, ''will strenuously oppose wariv every item in the men'.-: demands.'*