WATERFRONT LABOUR.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20277, 20 August 1937, Page 2

WATERFRONT LABOUR.

WORK RESUMED. SYSTEM INAUGURATED. APPEAL BY MINISTER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Thursday. The waterside labour bureau was opened officially to-day. The working or the bureau was explained, after which a trial engagement of labour was put through. Congratulating the shipping companies’ representatives and wharf workers' organisations on the inauguration of the scheme, the Hon. P. C. Webb, acting-Minister of Labour, said I hat it was far in advance of anything operating in any other part of the world. The old system, whereby men had to hang around waiting to be called on for work, would now' no longer exist, said Mr Webb. Equalisation of work had been established as a result of the introduction of the bureau system, and a mlnifnum wage of £2 10s a week was guaranteed for every man in the union engaged on the waterfrbntAddltlonal Responsibility. “These Improved conditions." continued the Minister, “earn," additional responsibility, and I appeal to both shipowners and workers to work in the most co-operative spirit, to face every problem that arises in Ihe spirit of co-operation, along with a determination lo right any wrongs I hat may develop. I appeal to companies and foremen not to tolerate any of the little pin-pricking methods that bring many heartburnings and irritation iutj the ranks of the workers. “I want to see the workers enjoying the best wages and working conditions,’’ said Mr Webb, “and in return 1 appeal to them lo play the game and give a fair day s work for the improved conditions. I do not want to see the workers sweated like bullocks, but I do expect them to pull their weight in common with tlie workers of the country and perform the loading and discharging of all vessels in keeping with fair play.”