RISES FOR OYSTERMEN

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 17

RISES FOR OYSTERMEN

Boats To Sail Today (N.Z. Press Association) INVERCARGILL. Mar. 7. Weather permitting, the oyster boats will sail for the Foveax Strait beds from Bluff tomorrow three weeks after the season was scheduled to open on February 15. This is the result of a decision announced in Christchurch today by the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr S. W. Armstronog), who presided over a dispute committee earlier in the week to, resolve differences between the oystermen and the merchants on a conditions agreement for the season. Mr T. W. Pasco, secretary of the Oystermen’s Union, said that his executive had this afternoon discussed the telegraphic advice received from Mr Armstrong and was “quite happy” about it. In Christchurch, Mr Armstrong announced an increase in wages fbr oyster catchers. “I have sent telegrams announcing my decision to the parties concerned and I hope that the oyster boats will put to sea tomorrow,” he said. If the boats at Bluff do go to sea, it is probable that oysters will bi on sale in Christchurch on Monday, about three weeks behind schedule. Mr Armstrong has announced increases of l%d a bag for oyster catchers and 2d an hour on the present hourly rate. The wage scale will be for this season and the next. Claims rejected by Mr Armstrong were a proposed increase m protective clothing allowance and in the weekly wage for bed hands. The employers were of the opinion that oyster catchers were generously provided for by way of wage rates and that the time had arrived for some Stability in the industry, Mr Armstrong said. He said that oyster catchers received their last wage increase in the 1960 season.