WORK STOPPED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 245, 30 July 1935, Page 3

WORK STOPPED

SHIPWRIGHTS IN AUCKLAND.

DEMAND FOR HIGHER WAGES.

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, July 29

After having intimated their intention not to commence work- unless an industrial agreement was reached with their employers as to wages, members of the Shipwrights’ Union stopped work to-day. The award under which the men had previously been working expired on Saturday, and at a meeting of members it was decided not to resume until the employers had agreed to their demand for 2s 2|d an hour. A meeting of the employers was held this afternoon to consider the workers’ demands, hut the matter was left in abeyance. The employers represented at the meeting included the Union Steam Ship Company, the Northern Steam Ship Company, the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, the Auckland Harbour Board, Shipbuilders, Ltd., AV. G. Love and Son, and C. Bailey and Son.

An offer of 2s Id an hour was made. 'lt > was stated that under the old award the men received 2s an hour. A dispute had already been filed, and representatives of the two parties met last month, but no decision about wages was reached. -A number of the men refused to comply with the decision of the union and continued working, while about five firms have agreed to pay the additional wages.

Although shipowning firms employ a number of shipwrights to keep their vessels in repair, boatbuilders will suffer most, and it is considered that about 70 men will be affected by the dispute.