BUILDING DISPUTE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30191, 24 July 1963, Page 14

BUILDING DISPUTE

Negotiations Held (From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 23. Negotiations are under way to resolve the Christchurch building trade dispute which has resulted in an overtime ban on contracts in Auckland and Wellington held by builders operating in Christchurch. The secretary of the New Zealand Carpenters’ Union (Mr W. F. Molineux) said tonight after a meeting of the union’s executive that he was hopeful of a settlement. A ban on overtime work on the Christchurch jobs was imposed by the Canterbury Master Biiilders’ Association and the national union imposed the overtime ban in the other two cities.

The Canterbury Carpenters' Union is seeking an hourly wage of 8s 4d. So far the effect of the union’s ban has been limited to two Wellington contracts of P. Graham and Son, Ltd.

The matter will be discussed again by the national executive of the union tomorrow. The dispute has not so far been handed to the Federation of Labour.

Support From Tramwaymen

At two meetings yesterday for shift workers, 120 members of the Christchurch branch of the Tramway Union unanimously adopted resolutions pledging moral and financial support to the Canterbury Carpenters’ Union in its claim for higher wages The support would be given until the dispute with the Canterbury Master Builders' Association was resolved.

“After a thorough examination of the salient featured of the dispute,” said the secretary of the branch (Mr L. C. J. Southon), “we were convinced that the carpenters had been locked out of employment We declared ourselves behind the efforts of the Carpenters’ Union to have these men re-engaged in industry and to ensure that their members receive a decent hourly rate.

“We considered that their present hourly rate is ridiculous and unrealistic in the light of the present-day cost of living. It also compares

unfavourably with ruling rates paid in the North Island for comparable workers."