Another Coal Mine Stoppage

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 143, 18 June 1941, Page 4

Another Coal Mine Stoppage

GREYMOUTH. June 17. By 90 votes to 0 a mass meeting of Dobson miners decided not to resume until the management gives effect to the decision of Air. W. Aleldrum, independent chairman of the Disputes Committee, that tho company should make up the wages of miners on piece work to a minimum of 20s lOd a day as provided in the agreement. The mine was idle to-day following the dispute existing for some weeks concerning miners on piecework unable to produce sufficient coal to earn the minimum. The union requestedthat the measurement of coal produced be taken weekly instead of fortnightly. Air. Aleldruip decided in favour of a weekly measurement when the matter was referred to him.

The union received a telegram from Hon. P. C. AYebb (Alinister of Mines) suggesting a resumption pending the decision of the'Coal Production Council. The men are remaining firm in their attitude until the company decides to make up the pay to the minimum. “The statement given by the Aliners’ Union in connection with the stoppage at the Dobson mine is not correct,’* said Air. A. E. H. Christie, .general manager of Grey Valley Collieries, Ltd., in a statement this evening. “It is true,” he said, ‘‘that the point was submitted to Air. Aleldrum as independent chairman, but his decision has been strictly adhered to by the company.”