SADDLERS DISPUTE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17881, 29 August 1918, Page 6

SADDLERS DISPUTE.

[Per Press Association.] DUNEDIN, August 28. Tlie Conciliation Council is engaged to-day hearing the saddlers’ dispute. At a previous hearing in July the proceedings were adjourned upon the understanding that representatives from all centres of the Dominion should attend the present sitting, and that any recommendations agreed upon should apply to all centres in the Dominion where the industry is prosecuted. To-day’s sitting was therefore in the nature of a Dominion conference, though nominally discussing Otago and Southland demands.

An offer under the wages clause was made in committee of the employers, giving a slight advance on the present rates. The union representatives refused the offer, and said they preferred to accept Is 6d per hour if wages of improvers also were raised by 5s anc the demands of female stitchers granted. This proposal was not accepted by the employers. The results of the sitting may thus be stated:—No agreement on hours of work, classes of workers, overtime, apprentices and female stitchers. Agreement has been arrived at as to underrate workers, factory workshops, preference and holidays, and scope of award limited to Otago and Southland. The dispute therefore has been referred to the Arbitration Court.