LABOR DISPUTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2053, 31 May 1890, Page 1

LABOR DISPUTES.

Berlin, May 28. The Emperor has summoned a Conference of Trades Unions, and invites the advice of English delegates relative to the formation of an Operatives Slate Advisory Council. In Wanganui a large meeting has been held against the Blacksmith’s Union, which has raised the prices of shoeing. The Mercantile Maritime Officers Association of New Zealand have addressed a circular to every steamship owner in New Zealand demanding that each vessel shall carry three certificated officers ; that the minimum pay shall be, chief officer £l6 per month, second £l4, third and fourth £l2 ; that when an officer comes off night duty he shall be entitled to refreshment as a right, and not at the option of the stewards as at present. It is alleged that more than one steamer will ba laid up if this demand is enforced.

The manager ot the Wellington tramway has refused the demands of employes as their acceptance would involve an annual increase of £1468 in wages alone, He adds that the tramways are running at a loss, and that the proprietors will nut submit to an increase of wages, or a diminution of hours. The ironworkers assistants, of Wellington, are demabding an extra Is per day, The employers are inclined to resist, but will receive a deputation on the matter. The poorly paid bakers of Christchurch have held a meeting, and were addressed by Messrs Percival and Joyce, M.H.Rs,, the Rev. Father Lemenant Des Ohaisgne, and Rev. P. R. Munro. The masters have decided to offer the following rates Foreman, £2 15s per week ; second band, £2 5s ; third hand, £2. These are a considerable advance on those previously offered, viz., £2 10s, £2, and £1 JOs. It is thought pro. bable that they will be accepted. A man named Williams, a spring maker in the Government railway works, reported to the executive that he had been dismissed because he refused to work at piecework which would only yield him 3s 6d per day. It was decided to bring the matter before the Commissioners by the deputation which it was agreed would wait on them on the 16th of June, The following votes were recorded ; Ptcton - for extreme measures 27, against 0 ; Palmerston North—for extreme measures 154, agaiast 4, not recorded 11. Maritime Council affiliation—l4o for, against 0, not recorded 29. l