VARYING AWARDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 87, 23 January 1942, Page 6

VARYING AWARDS

RECENTLY-ISSUED ORDERS, TEST OF STRENGTH DEVELOPING. AUCKLAND, Jan. 22. A test of strength between the Go\ reminent and certain industrial unions seems likely to develop in Auckland Avithin the next feAV Aveeks. Recent Government orders resulting in variation of awards have already caused some murmurings of trouble and some open broaches here. That the Government intends to act strongly in this regard is indicated by information obtained unofficially today that a large number of summonses are in the course of preparation because of the recent stoppages of Avork at tho V’estfield Freezing Works and the city abattoir, also situated at Vestfield. The number of freezing Avorkers affected by the summonses, it is stated, is likely to be about 140. The number of summonses concerning abattoir Avorkers is not known. The first hint that the Government is likely to he challenged comes from the Auckland Drivers’ Union, which Avas concerned yesterday in an industrial upset on the question of the annual picnic holiday, and Avhich hints at further action about The Anniversary Day holiday on Thursday next. Yesterday’s trouble concerned a dispute betAveen the Drivers’ Union and the Master Carriers’ Association. The association has agreed to accept yesterday as having boon the picnic holiday, and issued a statement that drivers who had taken or been allowed the holiday yesterday Avould he paid their Aveekly wages without any deduction. Drivers Avho had Avorked Avould he paid an extra day’s pay, in accordance with tire overtime and holiday suspension order. They also advised that the same basis of payment: Avould be made for Anniversary Day. “Not Received Favourably.” It is understood that this announcement has not been receded favourably by at least a section of the employees. The secretary of the Drivers’ Union (Mr L. G. Matthews) said to-day that it Avas the intention of the drivers to discuss these matters at a meeting on Sunday next. “it is the intention of the union,” he said, “to make every attempt to obtain for the Avorkers who worked yesterday time and a half, plus ordinary time,” A resolution Avould be submitted asking that Anniversary Day he observed by the employers in terms aiid conditions of the award. “If this resolution is passed, and agreed to by the employers, it is obvious that there Avill lie no dispute. H not agreed to by the employers, the question of taking other action, is one that will he decided, democratically by the members of the union,” said Mr Matthews.

He added that- there Avas no provi siou in their awards for making the AAorking of overtime or holiday Avork compulsory. It naturally lolkmed that workers " could please themselves Avhether or not they worked for the amounts offered by the employers.