WHARF LABOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1940, Page 6

WHARF LABOUR

B UREA U SYSTEM FOR DUNEDIN. (Per Press Associalnm-^Copyright). ' • J D UNEDIN,- Sep. • 16. The bureau- system of working ova seas vessels on the waterfront at l unetlin and Port Chainlets is to bo aciwpa*d witnin the next few days, ihe system has been‘operating successi a:iy in the North Island and at Lyttelton unci Tiniaru for .some tune, and it is anticipated that its acceptance here will be to the benefit of ivatersiue. labour and employers alike. The most important, aspect, of the scheme, however, is that it is designed to increase the efficiency of waterfront work generally and to • nahle shipping agents to arriinge tune-tables for ' heir vessels with a view to ensuring their joining specified convoys and so obviating other convoys to he formed. ' . It is intended to extend the system to include Bluff at an early date.,.and when this has been done,, all ' main ports wii! be working on . tlie same method. Coastal shipping-*' -is 'nut vet to he included--in the scheme, -hut negotiations lire proceeding., to evolve ways and means of adapting the system to this class of work. The principal negotiations i between the waterside workers and . tke shipping companies for the operation .of the od-operatfve scheme will be' carried out.in Wellington by the Water--front Control Commission; which, consists of .Messrs R. E. Price (ehaiVman) ,J’. Roberts and J. McLeod. .The workers will be paid their ordinary rates on an hourly basis, but thefe will also he paid a bonus dependefit oii tlie time occupied in Working, a particular:, ship. .This will be ; calculated’offi a pef-ton basis. A saving.in time of 25 per cent, to 30 per cent, has been achieved in other | ports where the scheme is in operation, and it has been found that the new method has had the effect of giving the employees , a renewed interest in their _ ■ work.