THE WORKERS' BONUS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1920, Page 5

THE WORKERS' BONUS.

AMOUNT THOUGHT INADEQUATE. STEPS TO MEET OPPOSITION. By Telegraph.—Press Association, Christchurch, Last Night. A conference of Trade Union secretaries was held for the purpose ofLconisidering correspondence received*irom the Wellington Trades and Lnbor Council with reference to the latest bonus to workers granted by the Arbitration Court, and the Employers' Federation's opposition thereto. The conference decided that all possible assistance should be given to the Wellington Trades Council in their opposition to the Federation's claims, and that the Unions be invited to contribute on a membership basis. It was further arranged that Mr. McCombs, M.P., should represent the Canterbury Unions in the Arbitration Court in conjunction with the Wellington advocate. The matter of the amount of the bonus was discussed, and it was agreed that it was inadequate. Exception was also taken to the Court's method of fixing the bonus, and it was agreed to ask the Court to give full effect to a clause in the 1918 legislation intimating to the Court to take into consideration any increases since the date of the award or agreement In the cost of living affecting workera or any class of workers engaged in such industry or industries.

It was pointed out that a ten per cent, increase in wages would not increase the cost of production in secondary industries by more than one and three-fifths per cent., and in some industries a ten per cent, increase in wages would notf increase the coat of the finished article by -more than half of one per cent. The price to the consumer of imported articles would not be appreciably affected, whereas the prices of primary products wbieh are governed by the world's markets, would not be affected at oil. DISCUSSION BY COURT. BOTH SIDES BEPRESENTED. Wellington, Last Night, The Arbitration Court has *(een asked to permit a general discussion of the new cost of living bonus at tt special sitting.of: the Court jn Wellington on November 2!>. The Court, in announcing at Christchurch' its intention to grant an additional bonus of fls per week, indicated that it was prepared to hear argument on the proposal.

Mr. M. J. Heard on, who will appear for the various Unions affiliated to the Trades and Labor Counci 1 , has discussed the matter with Mr. W. Pryor, secretary of the New Zealand Employers' Federation, and the representatives of the parties agreed to ask the Court to consider the situation generally without particular reference to the amendment of the award in any one industry. It is likely that the Judge will consent to this course.