WORK AND WAGES

Evening Star, Issue 16676, 7 March 1918, Page 8

WORK AND WAGES

CONFERENCE OF UNION DELEGATES. The adjourned conference of delegates from local industrial unions, convened bv the Otago Labor Council, was continued in tho Trades Hall last night, and was attended bv 55 delegates. The Hon. J. T. Paul presided. The following remits were adopted : That the conference confirm a policy of compulsory unionism, and make this part of a political platform in the future elections that Labor may contest; also, and through the annual conference of the Federation of Labor that is to be held in July, for the necessary amendments to the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. That the conference make a combined protest to the Minister of Labor against '- the attitude adopted by the Labor Department in the policing and enforcement of the different awards. That legislation should be introduced to secure proper hygienic conditions for the workers. _ When the conference adjourned the question of the establishment of co-operative stores was under discussion. The conference will be resumed next Thursday. GROCERS' DISPUTE. The hearing of the grocers' dispute was concluded at Christchurch yesterday, before Mr W. H. Hagger, Conciliation Commissioner, and practically a complete settlement was arrived at," The minimum wage was raised from £2 17s 6d to £3 per week, with a 10 per cent, bonus in addition, on all wages. The award will remain in force for two years. A counterproposal by the employers, regarding employment of female workers at certain wages, was held over, and will be mentioned in tho Arbitration Court when the award comes up for ratification.