NO BONUS FOR GAS WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 109, 1 February 1921, Page 8

NO BONUS FOR GAS WORKERS

- PETONE COUNCIL’S DECISION. . At last night’s meeting of the. Petone Bbrough. Council a communication witn reference to the bonus recently granted S'stokers by the Arbitration Court, and payment of which was refused by the council at its previous meeting, was received from Mr. L. Glover, secrete, j of the AA’ellington Gas AAtorkers Union. The writer stated that ho had been instructed by the members of the union to bring before the councils notice the question of the bonus, it being thought that there was a misunderstanding among some councillors as to the amount expected. As they were claiming only 35., it was hoped that tho request •would be granted. ■Councillor Brockelbank moved that 'he letter bo "received," remarking that it was of no use the council doing anything unless it were prepared to pay the bonus all round. Councillor Hay seconded the motion. Councillor Churcliouse moved ns an amendment that the council agree to pay the bonus. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. M'Ewan), in seconding the amendment, raid there was one section—the plumbers' and gasfitters —who were entitled to a bonus of 3d. per hour as awarded by the Arbitration Court, and the council was obliged to pay it as from November 1. Any other of'the council's employees who belonged to unions applying to the Arbitration Court were entitled to a bonus, and they should all be treated alike. Councillor Cox moved as a further amendment that all employees receiving less Ilian A’ito per year lie granted the increase as awarded by the Court. The Mayor here explained that the gas stokers (who are in receipt of £3 l?s. per week) worked 42 hours. The night and Suudav work, he. thought, as well as its arduous nature, should bo considered. The amendment covered labourers, who were receiving £4 45., and driver's. 4:4 7s. Gd. per week. .After considerable discussion. Councillor Churcliouse’s amendment was lost, the mover and seconder only voting lor it Councillor Cox's amendment was then seconded by Councillor Brockelbank. . Councillor Cook: It seems to me lhe council has passed some funny motions. After further discussion Councillor Cox withdrew his amendment, and the motion was then put. On a division it was carried by six votes to three, the Mayor and Councillors Churchouse and Cox voting against it.