COAL MINERS’ WAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1945, Page 2

COAL MINERS’ WAGES

APPLICATION FOR* INCREASE.

WELLINGTON, April 19

An application from the United Mine Workers of Nevz Zealand for an increase of 2/4 a day to all wage workers, and 10 per cent, in all piece work rates, in consequence of the Arbitration Court’s recent pronouncement under which basic wage rates were increased, was received at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners’ Association in Wellington this week. The application was the subject of a special meeting to-day, attended by representatives of the association, the united mine workers, and by the Mining Controller (Mr. C .H. Benr.ey). For the miners, it was stated that their claim was based on the recent pronouncement of the Court of Arbitration, and in their opinion this pronouncement was generally understood to imply that all wage rates in New Zealand would be increased by 3Ad an hour. It was added that workers in the freezing industry had recently concluded an agreement, which had been approved by the Court of Arbitration, and which provided for a general increase of 3id an hour.

In the discussion representatives of the coal mine proprietors quoted the earnings of various sections of coal mine workers, showing that they had in fact more than anticipated the Court’s pronouncement, and that their wage rates were already substantially in excess of the new basic rates laid down by the Court. Finally, the reply of the employers to the request was that as it was based upon the pronouncement of the Court, and as there was a very wide difference of opinion between workers . and employers as to what was intended by the Court’s pronouncement, the claim should be submitted to the Court, and the employers would be glad to facilitate the hearing of any such application.

In response to this .suggestion, the workers’ representatives said that they were not in the habit of refering coal mining matters to the Court, though there were some instances of awards in the coal mining industry. They regretted that the employers were not prepared to concede the demand, but they would have to report back to their members the fact that their request was declined.