THIRTY-SIX HOURS.

Northern Advocate, 22 December 1919, Page 3

THIRTY-SIX HOURS.

WEEKLY WORKING TIME

EXTRAORDINARY DEMANDS

AUCKLAND Dec. 20

Demands for new conditions of work have been submitted to the engineering firms of Auckland by the ironworkers' section of the General Labourers' Union. The demands stipulate f» r a 40-hour week, consisting of five days of eight hours each. Two "smokos" a day are requested, and also 10 minutes for washing their hands before meals and knock-ing-off time. This will reduce the actual working time to 3f> hours a week. Ordinary wages are now demanded at the rate of 2/4 an hour, as against a current rate of 1-6 an hour for a 47-hour week. It is proposed that all overtime except urgent necessary and emergency work b<* prohibited; and that for any overtime worked for work on holidays or during meal hours double rates be paid. Where a worker is called on to work after 6 p.m. he is to b e allowed 2/6 for a meal. Youths between the ages of 16 and 17 are to be paid £1 17/6 a week, increasing by 7-6 a week annually, the proportion of boys to men to be on e to six.

A clause is included in the demands as follows: —"A. clock shall be provided by the employer on all works, in such a position as to enable workers to see the time without convenience." Compulsory preference to unionists is demanded, also the right of entry for the workers' roppesentativp to all jobs.