IRON WORKERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 6 August 1924, Page 9

IRON WORKERS.

DOMINION AWARD SOUGHT. (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 6. The awards affecting separate bra nches of the engineering industry throughout the Dominion and relating to over 3000 employees came up for (review by the Arbitration Court to-day An application was made by the iron masters for a Dominion award for four of the branches of the industry—engineering, moulding, metal workers, and assistants. Mr Bishop, secretary to the Employers’ Federation, said the employers, in asking for a Dominion award, were moved by a desire to secure absolute uniformity throughout New Zealand. They were convinced that no sound argument or valid reason could he advanced in support of the contention of local awards. Throughout the whole British Empire the engineering trades had been suffering from acute depression during 63 years, and in nany respects we were worse off in New Zealand than they were in England and Australia. The hours under the present award were 44 per week. The employers claimed 47, and the union asked for 40. The employers thought a 47-hour week was necessary, as their competitors worked 48 hours and produced cheaper. The difference of three hours per week was a substantial factor in overhead costs. Mr Bishop dealt in detail with the question of wages, overtime, piecework, etc. A discussion followed regarding apprentices. and it was tentatively agreed to defer the question for a- month, in the meantime local committees ai'e to prepare (recommendations for the- Dominion conference on the subject, to be held in Wellington.