ALL N.Z. AFFECTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22196, 5 December 1946, Page 6

ALL N.Z. AFFECTED

WHARF J3ISPUTE ORDERS BY UNION HIGHER WAGES DEMAND (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Dec. 4. Ali major and secondary ports have been directed to institute immediately a 40-hour week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Monday to Friday, as a protest against the unsatisfactory decision of the -union's claims for' a guaranteed daily wage. This instruction was issued to-day by the national executive of the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Union following the conference yesterday. Demands Outlined The union’s demands are for a satisfactory decision on the guaranteed daily wage, wage increases to restore the position as laid down by the Court of Arbitration whereby watersiders receive 25 per cent, above the hourly wage of unskilled workers: immediate improvements in accommodation and amenities which the union says have been an outstanding grievance for many years and have been pressed continually for the past six years; and the abolition of Saturday engagements. "In addition, the claims of the ship carpenters’ section of the union for increased Avages and a guaranteed daily wage have the full support of the union" and, therefore, these workers are united in support of the 40-hour Aveek,” states the union’s executive. “The executive feels that these are the minimum demands of the union and that the 40-hour week shall apply at ports specified until reasonable satisfaction has been obtained. Work on Ferry Steamers

“Mails, luggage and motor cars will be worked as usual on the inter-island steamers, and the loading of supplies for our occupation forces in Japan on the vessel Nellore at present at Lyttelton will be worked overtime in order that the troops- will receive the supplies for Christmas.” The Waterfront Industry Commission will meet to-day. but it is anticipated in some quarters that it will break r_ either by way of resignation of 50n...of its personnel, or by an indefinite adjournment. Cabinet will give special attention to the dispute at its first post-election meeting to-day.