PUBLIC WORKS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 June 1923, Page 3

PUBLIC WORKS

- CONFERENCE WITH EMPLOYEES. 0 (Per Press Asflociation.) WELLINGTON, June 21. A conference between representatives of the New Zealand, Workers’ Union and the ' Minister of Public Works and Departmental officers was held to-day, to discuss proposals for a new agreement, ’ covering the men employed on the various Public Works undertakings throughout the Dominion. In explaining the proposals on behalf of the men, Mr, Grayndler (Secretary of the New Zealand Workers’

Union) stated it was desired that an improvement should be obtained on the conditions prevailing. It was asked that the present interim rates of pay slioud be revised to the extent of a ten per cent, increase, to be added to the wages of all sections and that all men working in tunnels (with the exception of shift bosses and gangers) be placed on the same scale of wages, and that all the men working in quarries (except hammer and drill men) be paid the same wage. The hammer and drill men, it was suggested, should be paid 1/- per day extra. The schedule should include blacksmiths, carpenters, riveters, motor lorry drivers, engine drivers, firemen, cleaners, and pump attendants, who should all receive a ten per cent, increase on the minimum rates provided in the various industrial awards which cover these classes of workers. For men working in wet places, the Union wanted the weekly hours reduced from 47 to 44. Instead of time and a quarter, it was proposed that overtime should be paid for at the rate of time and a-half, and that the weekly wage-earners should be paid overtime for all work done over and i _ .I.’— ZT /I r»vr T'nn

above the ordinary working day. Ten minutes each morning and afternoon was asked for “Smoke-ohs,” such time to be paid for. As Territorials have to comply with the Military Training Act, it was requested that these men be paid for all the time occupied in attending drills. Various minor additions to existing conditions were pressed by Mr. Grayndler, who urged that the provision of the 1919 agreement with respect to hut accommodation should be re-established and that bathing conveniences should be provided, and also separate conveniences for each family. The Union is prepared to take full responsibility for the care and control of hutments erected by the Department for its employees. The Union asks for the relief system to be abolished. This system debases the men to the lowest rung of the human ladder of starvation. It is a fact that the men so employed find it impossible to earn sufficient to more than maintain themselves,

their wives and children in a miserable existence. The conference was interrupted today through the Minister being very busy with other matters. It will be continued to-morrow.