THE WAR BONUS

Evening Star, Issue 16908, 4 December 1918, Page 7

THE WAR BONUS

OBJECTION' TO WITHDRAWAL. APPEAL TO PRIME MINISTER. Air H. Hunter, secretary of the Federation of Labor, has sent the following letter to tho Hon. W. F. Alassey, Prime Minister - In view of the termination of hostilities in Europe and the probability of the conclusion ox peace at an early date, there is one matter of particular import to the industrial organisations of tho Dominion which calls for immediate, consideration. It has been customary for tho Arbitration Court to award_ a. war bonus in the settlement of industrial disputes during the currency of the war. such war bonus to remain in operation until three months after the cessation of war. In some cases the period is six months. Tiro point is that this bonus ceases automatically at tho expiration of Dio term stated in each particular award or agreement, as tho case may be, and this is going to lead to interminable trouble. Apparently tho period oi the cession of the bonus was fixed on tho assumption that prices would speedily revert to pre-war rates. If so, then we all know that tha assumption wais wrong, because there is not any reason for supposing that prices will bo reduced to any great extent for two years at least. Such being the case, the United Federation of Labor desire mo to suggest that Parliament should discuss the position, and do something to meet the situation before it adjourns. The war bonus has not in any instance been sufficient to meet the increased Cost of Living since 1914, and if tho small increase in wages granted by way of war bonus is withdrawn greater hardship will ensue. Tho Arbitration Court can hardly cope with tho situation bydealing with each case individually; it would take too long. Therefore Parliament should deal with tho matter in a comprehensive manuer by deciding to extend the period of the operation of the bonus .provisionally, xmtil it meets again and has a further opportunity to review the situation, or fix a period, say, 12 months. This would give the parties time to deal with the matter themselves in the ordinary course of events. Mr J. M'Combs, M.P., in a letter to Air Hunter, stated that the Prime ATinieter had promised to consult the president of the Arbitration Court, with a view to having something done at once to prevent the withdrawal of tho bonus. WAR BONUS INCREASED. Tho Arbitration Court have made an order that a war bonus of 2d an hour provided for in sub-clause (c) of clause 2 of an award made ou May 28, 1917. in a dispute between the Christchurch and Sydenham branches of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners and the Canterbury’ Builders and Contractors’ Association shall be increased by Id an hour. The order will take effect from Friday’ next.