LABOR UNREST.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1916, Page 8

LABOR UNREST.

TROUBLE 'AT PETONE WORKSHOPS. By Telegraph.—Press Assertion. Wellington, March 11. Tlie dissatisfaction which was reported to be rif e in the fitting and turning branch of the Petone railway workshop is now said to be more acute. It is stated that this branch, which, it is understood, is some forty men short of requirements, is constantly losing men through objections to the conditions tinder which they are required to work and the rate of pay received. The trouble was much accentuated yesterday, when a notice was posted in the shops requiring the men to work overtime from Monday next. A meeting was held by tlie fitters during dinner hour yesterday, when it was decided to refuse to work the required overtime unless their claim for an extra la per day Was granted, reasonable time allowed off for tea (time previously allowed when overtime was worked being only quarter of an hour), and one day per week free from overtime. It was claimed that foresight on the part of those in authority could easily have prevented the serious shortage of men. A further meeting of those concerned was 'held this morning, and was addressed by the locomotive engineer, and as a result of this meeting the men have agreed to work under protest. It is understood that the management have conceded the extra, time required for tea and also a day per week free from overtime,