WORKERS' STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 39, 16 February 1928, Page 7

WORKERS' STRIKE.

BOILERMAKERS OUT. Threat To Close State Dockyard. BONUS SYSTEM OBJECTED TO. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. , As a protest against the introduction of the bonus system of payment at the Government dockyard on Walsh Island the boilermakers ceased work.

The Trades Hall Council Committee has decided that the iron workers and machinists assisting the boilermakers in the carriage shops, shipyards and bridge yards be called upon to cease work immediately. ■ A meeting of the coach makers employed at Walsh Island decided to support the boilermakers in their light. The Acting-Premier, Mr. Buttenshaw, says the Government will stand firm and will insist on the retention of the bonus system. Should the men go on strike he. declared that the dockyards will be closed down and immediate steps taken to dispose of the works as a State industrial undertaking. He said that there were no men at present receiving less than the award rate and the bonus system provided that men could earn 50 per cent above their award wages if they completed the certain task set them. Mr. Buttenshaw said the policy of the Government was . against State industrial undertakings. Last year this undertaking lost about £50,000 and the management was instructed to make a strenuous effort to make it pay. The Trades Hall officials characterise Mr. Buttenshaw's threat to close down as Nationalist propaganda. One said: "We have heard that tale before.''