Carpenters Go Back to Work

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 145, 22 June 1939, Page 7

Carpenters Go Back to Work

But Threaten Further Action PROTEST AT TERMS OF RECENT AWARD Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 21. In the terms of a recommendation carried with only two dissentients at a meeting of building trades’ workers in the Opera House this morning, the carpenters and builders’ labourers involved in the stoppage of work on Fletcher and Co.’s housing contracts at Karori arc to return to their jobs tomorrow ponding immediate negotiations for a settlement. These negotiations with the master builders are to be put in train this afternoon by the unions copcorned. There were about 2000 at the meeting. Mr. J. Mounton, national secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, presided. The following statement was afterwards issued: — “Fraternal messages were received from Auckland and Palmerston North, and delegates of the General Labourers’ Federation were present from Wanganui, Palmerston North, Westland and Masterton. Delegates of unions othor than those directly concerned in the stoppage of work also attended. The following resolution was carried with only two dissentients:— “That this meeting congratulates the carpenters and labourers on the stand they made in connection with the conditions of work at Karori and tho general stand against anomalous conditions in the carpenters’ and labourers’ award. We pledge our support to them in any action that may be taken to rectify the position, and in the meantime recommend that all men return to work pending immediate negotiations for a settlement. We pledge our loyalty to our unions in this effort for better working conditions, which are years overdue.”

The statement goes on to express the opinion that the court, in framing the recent awards, had acted against the weight of evidence submitted by the workers, and urged the Government to take immediate steps to secure the major demands —namely, payment for holidays by the enactment of the proposed Annual Holiday Bill and a higher wage for both trades to compensate for higher costs of living.

Tho statement continues: “Another resolution which was carried unanimously recommended all building trades unions to support the Building Trades Federation and organise for a further success. There will be a joint meeting of executives of the carpenters’ and labourers* organisations this afternoon, and we will immediately get into touch with the Master Builders’ Federation for the purpose of opening negotiations immediately. It is anticipated that these negotiations will result In complete agreement, but in the event of a deadlock occurring, the men have directed that they be immediately called together again, and this is the intention of the organisations concerned.

“We believe we have right and justice on our side, and we are fully supported by the rank and file and intend to leave no stone unturned to have'thc causes of friction removed.”

In the Event of a Deadlock CARPENTERS’ LEADERS EXPECT AGREEMENT, BUT—--I’er Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 21. An announcement that a disputes committee had been set up and would probably meet to-morrow afternoon was made by the secretary of the Wellington Carpenters and Joiners’ Union (Mr. J. Moulton) to-night. A joint meeting of executives of the earpeuters and labourers’ organisations took place this afternoon and negotiations were opened with the Master Builders’ Federation. Mr. Moulton said the committee comprised two representatives of the union\ and two of the employers, with an independent chairman. Hon. T. Briudle, M.L.C., had been suggested as chairman and had been accepted by both sides. “It is anticipated that these negotiations will result in a complete agreement, but in the event of a deadlock occurring the men have directed that they immediately be called together again and that is the intention of the! organisations concerned,” Mr. Moulton i said. Some of the questions at issue have a Dominion application, it is stated, and these will not, of course, come within tho scope of the Wellington disputes committee. The immediate local problems will be discussed by tho committee. One or two questions having a Dominion application will lie discussed on a Dominion basis subsequently. It is considered probable that this will necessitate a Dominion conference of employers and workers, as only such a conference can deal effectively with the issues arising from the Dominion awards.

Holidays With Pay Demanded GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION ASKED FOR Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 21. While desiring provision in their award for paid annual holidays, members of the Auckland Carpenters' and Joiners* Union at their mass meeting of protest against the award, decided to impress on the Government the necessity of proceeding with the proposed holidays-with-pay legislation promised in the impending session. They were supported by other representatives of the building trade present. Mr. J. G. Kennerley, secretary of the union, said it might be thought there was no need to urge the Government to proceed with the measure in view of its announced intention to do so, but it was felt that pressure was being exorcised in various quarters to kill the proposed Bill. Those present knew very well that banking interests in London were trying to force the Government from its progressive ]>olicy. Holidays with pay were accepted as a principle in many European countries. He therefore moved: ‘‘That this mass meeting of the building trades workers of Auckland expresses its satisfaction at the intention of the Government to bring down a ‘holidays with pay* Bill and urge the early introduction and putting into operation of its full provisions, at the same time assuring the Government of our full and united support. The present conditions of employment in the building trades with its general insecurity of work, lost time between jobs ‘and through wet weather, pay on an hourly basis, unpaid statutory and incidental holidays, make this legislation most appropriate and especially desirable. * * Mr. H. E. Staley, reprcscnliug the Stonemasons’ Union, and Mr. J. Martindale, of tho Roof Tilers’ Union, stated that their unions already enjoyed a paid holiday under their awards, but they wholeheartedly supported its extension to other trades. Representatives of the steel workers and plasterers also supported the motion, which was carried, and it was agreed to request the Federation of Labour to organise a mass demonstration in support of the proposed legislation, as it was believed that such a form of support was desirable at the

present time. Direct State Control of Building

AUCKLAND CARPENTERS WANT LONG-RANGE PLAN Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 21. The principle of direct Btate control of the State housing operations with the assistance of workers’ representatives was supported by the mass meeting of workers in the industry at the Town Hall, which was called to protest against the recent award affecting carpentors and joiners. Mr. Y. R. Midgley, delegate to the annual Labour Party Conference, explained what had been done in an endeavour to have State control of Government housing and building generally. He said it was felt that only by a long-range plan of organised building operations could continuity of work in the industry be secured. At present workers suffered by periods of slackness in the trade, whereas there wore other times when there were insufficient workers. There was no need to import skilled workers when there were suitable men on the No. 13 scheme who, with training, could be absorbed into the industry.

On Mr. Midgley’s motion the following was carried:—“That this mass meeting of building workmen endorses the recommendations and conclusions of the Auckland carpenters’ management committee and the committee appointed by the Minister of Labour, namely, that the State take over the entire control of tho erection of Government houses with a measure of workers’ representation on the management; also paid holidays and a guarantee of employment for all men at least as good as that offered to the men from overseas. In return wo agree to cooperate in tho rapid and economic production of homes for the people and to assist in absorbing men from scheme 13 into the building trades.”