BRICKLAYERS' WAGES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 100, 29 April 1937, Page 24

BRICKLAYERS' WAGES

A fixed minimum rate 'of pay 'for journeymen bricklayers was agreed to by representatives of the New Zealand Federated Bricklayers' Industrial Association of Workers' and the New Zealand Federated Builders' and Contractors' Industrial Association of Employers and,other employers in .conciliation council .yesterday, although other items, in dispute were referred to the Court of Arbitration. :.'

The minimum rate of iwages for journeymen claimed by the workers was 3s per hour, -and the employers in their counter-claims offered 2s .6d, which they later increased to 2s 9d, provided the agreement remained .in operation for the space of one year. This was accepted.' The wages clause is to come into operation as from' May 17, and all other provisions will1 take effect as from the date the award is made by the Arbitration Court, remaining in operation until May 17, 1938, and thereafter. until . they are superseded by another, award or agreement. ."-.'-■- .

It was agreed that all wages should be paid weekly and in cash. Except on country work all'wages shall be paid weekly not later than Thursday, within fifteen minutes of the termination of the working hours, either on the works or at the employer's Workshop. All waiting-time beyond the prescribed time shall be paid at time and a half rates. .

A clause in the employers' counterclaims which was.welcomed by the workers was one which stated that the employers would endeavour to restrict overtime work if there were any members of the union out of work and available at the time, and the union undertook, on request, to supply any labour that might be available.

Agreement was reached on numerous points regarding extra payment for dirty work, work in high temperatures, on high towers and steeples, underground, and under other unpleasant or dangerous conditions.