TIMBER WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 22, 25 July 1936, Page 11

TIMBER WORKERS

THE WAGES QUESTION

OFFER WITHDRAWN

The hearing of the dispute between the Wellington Timber Yards and Sawmills' Union and the employers, which was adjourned for consideration of a wages offer made by the employers, was concluded today before Mr. M. J. Reardon, Conciliation Commissioner. A partial settlement was reached, but the employers' offer on the question of wages was withdrawn.

"I understand that what the employers have done is to offer you the 1931 wages adjusted to the 40-hour week," said Mr. Reardon. "That is, a man working 40 hours would be getting the same rate as a man working 46 in 1931."

Speaking for the employees, Mr. J. Read suggested some alterations in the rates for certain classes of workers. The work of coopers' assistants was mentioned as being of a particularly arduous nature. His suggestions were opposed on behalf of the employers by Mr. C. G. Camp.

Mr. Camp: To sum it up, you decline the offer made?

Mr. Read: No, not exactly; only in minor details.

Mr. Camp: My offer was made without prejudice.

Mr. Read asked for a man employed as cooper's assistant to be heard before the council.

The offer of the employers was formally withdrawn by Mr. Camp. "I am v(fy much surprised that we should be met with further adjustments after the way matters were discussed at the last meeting," he said.

Speaking before the closing of the hearing, Mr. Camp said that it was a matter for regret that the assessors did not have power to act without referring the matter back to.the union.

"Yes," said Mr. Reardon, "I thought we might have had a complete settlement the other day."

"The employers offered us an hourly rate," explained Mr. Read, "and seeing that our instructions were to stand for a weekly rate, I thought it was fair and proper to refer it back to the uniqn."

The clauses on which an agreement was not reached are those relating to wages; the employment of youths; the provision that no reduction should be made from any weekly wage fixed by the award save for time lost through sickness, injury sustained outside employment, or default of the worker; the provision for a "smoko" of 10 minutes morning and afternoon; and the matter of payment while on holiday.