CLAIM FOR AWARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 147, 23 May 1934, Page 10

CLAIM FOR AWARD.

Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 22. The restoration of wage cuts imposed in the last two years and the reestablishment of the basic wage in industry at 2s 3d. an hour w r as sought by the engineers, moulders, boilermakers, iron, ship and bridge builders of New Zealand (with the exception of Wellington and Marlborough) in a claim for an award heard in the Conciliation Council this morning. Another demand was for a 40-hour week. Respondents we re the New Zealand Ironmasters’ Association and other employers. The employers counter proposed a. 44-hour week and wrnges on the following scale: —Pattern makers, 2s hourly; toolmakers, Is lid ; engineers, Is 10)-d; and down to Is 8d for grinders. Introducing the claims, Mr J. Roberts said the dispute had been proceeding since 1932. The employees refused to believe their employers, with whom they were on fairly good terms, would not give them the award with a reasonable rate of wages. They believed that without the agreement there would be a feud in the industry. Mr Bishop said he might as well make it clear at once that the employers were not prepared to advance their proposals regarding wages. A round-table discussion ensued, and then Mr Cable asked Mr Roberts what his minimum requirements were. “Put your cards on the table,”, ho said. Mr Roberts: What about yours? Mr Hall: There they are; they have been on the table for two years. As no agreement could be reached the council adjourned sine die.