STRIKE AT WAIHI.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 126, 28 May 1918, Page 4

STRIKE AT WAIHI.

FIFTY MEN OUT. DISPUTE RE AWARD. ENGINEER "WORKERS AFFECTEU (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, Monday. At a stop work meeting of the Ohinemuri branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, held this afternoon in the Foresters' Hall, Waihi, a resolution to strike was carried. A number of Waikino members were present, also Mr. Elston, organising secretaray of the New Zealand section. It appears that trouble arose over an amended award issued by the Arbitration Court, which in ite original award allowed a rise of wagea amounting to ninepence a shift and a ivar bonus of 1/4, making a total of 13/4 per shift. The amended award, however, makee no rise in wages, but grants a war bonus of 1/4, making a total of 12/7 a shift. Wages before the Arbitration Court hearing being 11/3 a shift, it appears that the Court made its original award under the misapprehension aa to the number of hours worked per week. 'The society docs not comprise winding ensineers, but includes all fitters and blacksmiths employed in mines and batteries, and embraces the Waihi Company's works at Waikino. A strike would probably mean temporarily hanging up mining "operations here, but it is hoped that before such a catastrophe occurs something in the nature of a settlement will be arrived at.

It is understood if no settlement is arrived at before noon on Tuesday the men will come out.

AX ABORTIVE CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, this day. A conference between representatives of the engineers and mining companies was held to-day, but proved abortive, the latter stating that they could do nothins else than adhere to the amended award." Both sides were firm, and at noon fifty men concerned etruck work. It is understood the strike will not severely affect mining operations immediately", but it certainly will later on, the fitters, turners, and blacksmiths being members of the society, and consequently little repair work could be effected. Resarding wages and working hours, the Auckland members of the society work 47 hours a week, receiving £3 18/ a week, while Waihi members work 45 hours for £3 15/6 a week.

The dispute is regarded here as a great calamity if no settlement eventuates.