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PUBLIC WORKS.

EMPLOYEES' CONDITIONS

VASTLY IMPROVED

FULL TEXT OF AGREEMENT

It is not always that a ,str;..e of workers is advisable or j.i_iifiable, nor that it succeeds in its aim even when fully warranted. From the nature of th c appended agreement, however, it would appear that the strike of the tunnel workers on the North Auckland railway construction was both a bona fide expression of grievances and an effectual means of securing rectification. The confidence which the strikers placed in the Hon. J. G. Coates as Public Works Minister evidently was not ifiisplaced, as the conference which he promised if they returned to work was productive of the best results, and has afforded the appellants much gratification. The organisation work and negotiation manoeuvring carried out by Messrs Hobbs and Mclnerney, respectively secretaries of the Tunnel Workers' Union branches at Waikiekie and Huarau, has covered a period of about 14 months, and to the consistent application of these gentlemen is due in large measure the appreciable results obtained. Per favour of Mr Hobbs, we are enabled to publish below, as a matter of important public information, the points discussed and decisions given at the conference, which took place at Government Buildings, Wellington, on the 12th of last month, between the Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department and officials of the New Zealand Workers' Union:—

Hours of Work, etc.—The Hon. Minister reserved decision, with exception of tunnel workers. The definition of "wet places" t 0 be left to Engineer and Check Inspector; failing agreement, matter to be placed in hands of District Engineer and Union officials; if no settlement then arrived at, matter to be referred to Hon. Minister, work to continue pending his decision. 47hr. week to be observed—BJhrs on Monday to Friday, inclusive, and 4_hrs on Saturday, the work to ceas c at noon on the latter day. Question of 44hv week to be submitted to Cabinet. Question of "wet places" for outside workers to be agreed upon by Check Inspector and Engineer.

Rates of Pay.—ln wet places 6 hours day to be observed, but if necessary to work longer hours, the extra time above 6 hours should be paid for as overtime at rate and onehalf on average rate for the first 6 hours, Tunnel Workers' Pay.—To be submitted to Cabinet. Overtime. —Overtime at rate and one-half to be Paid after B_hrs have been worked on Monday to Friday inclusive, and on Saturday after 4_ hrs have been worked, but only in cases of emergency shall men be called upon to work on Saturday afternoons. All work performed upon Sunday and Statutory Holidays to be paid for at double rates.

Travelling Time.—Travelling time to be paid both ways for men compelled to live more than one mile from the works, the basis where men walk to be 20 minutes to the mile. Where men at their option live further from the works than one mile they are to be excluded from the proceeding clause. Where men are conveyed to the work from depots by train, they shall be paid for travelling time at the d|aily rate. Fettlers travelling by velocipede to be paid for travelling time beyond that required to travel the first mile, on a basis of 71 minutes tp the mile.

Ventilation. —Ventilation to b e sub ject to the requirements of the Mines Act as applicable to quartz and alluvial mining.

Co-operative Work. — That the present co-operative system continue providing that it has a corresponding increase on present schedule rates, but in the event of any dispute arising in connection with this clause the same shall be decided by the check inspector and the Engineer. Failing a settlement, the clause re "wet places'' to apply.

Shifting Time. —A reasonable allowance of time occupied in erecting tents or shifting camp shall be made and paid for at current rates. The Chief Inspector and Engineer to interpret "a reasonable allowance of time."

Horse Hire.—The rate for horse hire to be left to the Union and the District Engineer and owner. The suitability of horses for the work to be decided by the Union and Engineer.

Slips and Wash-aways.—.-In the event of a wash-away or accident requiring the services of men working continuous hours, refreshment such as tea, coffee, and food shall be supplied or provided by the ganger or officer in charge at the expense of the Government.

Provision of Tools.—Shovels and axes to be supplied, the value of such tools issued to be held by De-

partment until the tools or worn out portions, are returned. Identification marks to be branded on tools. Carpenters, fitters and bricklayers to receive 2s per week "tool allowance" in lieu of being supplied with tools, to be recommended.

Men Leaving.—To be paid subject to current rates.

Payments.—Workmen will, in case of necessity, be allowed to draw up to 75 per cent, of wages due, such payments to be made on a day to be nominated by the Department and which is not before the first fortnight. The money retained by the Department, representing that due between time of measuring up and the actual pay day will not exceed 6 days' wages.

Holidays.—The following holidays will be granted; applicable to co-op-erative workers as well as day workers: —Under two months' service, nil; two months', but under two years, 7 statutory days; two years and over, 14 days annual leave, plus 9 statutory holidays. Hon. Minister agreed that in cases where good workmen absented themselves without leave for a short period, no penalty re leave would be inflicted. The request that all Public Works employees should travel free on Public works trains in order to obtain supplies and transact private business to be referred to Hon. Minister for decision. (Note: Workmen at Tahora are compelled to go to Whangamona to obtain even a postal note or to 'bank money. P.W. Department to request the Postal Department to establish a moneyorder and saving bank office at Tahora. Is was stated that 4 days' holiday were authorised under existing regulations; Minister to be advised to approve such holidays, the decision to be retrospective to the extent of six months.)

Firewood and Fuel.—Department to provide fuel and coal, also provide saws for cutting wood to required lengths. Question as to whether fuel, etc., to b e issued free or at cost price to be decided by Hon. Minister but pending decision by him, fue, etc., to be supplied at cost price.

Government supplies..—Hon. Minister agreed to open Government stores with a storekeeper in charge who will supply all P.W.D. employees with provisions at wholesale prices with cost added.

Cook-Houses. —Agreed that cookhouses should comprise an actual cooking room and dining room, that floors be of concrete or other suitable material, and that suitable fireplaces and oven be provided.

Hut Accommodation. —Single men to b e provided with 10 x 8 hut suitable bunk and !fireplace. Married men, but without any family, :to have hut with room 24 x 10 plus a room 10 x 9 for use as kitchen. Married men with family up to four children to have two rooms 24 x 10 for every additional two children, one 10 x 8 hut to be added. Bathing facilities wash-house and cooking range also fireplace in living room to b 6 provided. Flax matresses to Ibe provided, the Union to be responsible for prevention of abuse of matresses.

Baths and Drying Rooms. —That (bathing convenience with hot and cold water together with a drying room shall be provided, in accordance with th e bathing facilities already obtaining at Haurau, Waikiekie and Otiri, Also other places where sufficient men are employed to warrant the expense but not for less than 20 men.

Tents May be Used Temporarily. That they must be floored, framed, and have timbered sides with fireplace ftnd chimney attached and no more than one man to be housed in a tent and in no case shall workers be asked to live in tents during the winter months.

Recreation Halls, — That wher e 20 or more men are to be employd on a job for 12 months or more, a recreation hall shall) be erected and furnished with tables and chairs. The hall to be placed under the control of the Union.

Sanitation.—That earth closets with doors and seats and urinal attached to be provided one, for every hix hutments; closets and urinals to be regularly disinfected and when, required shall be removed by the Government.

Cleansing and Disinfecting.—Upon hutments becoming vacant they shall be cleaned and disinfected before again being reinhabited in Reeordance with th e regulations obtaining at Tahora,

Grievances.—That the P.W.Dept. grant th e enginers power to settle all local grievances on the job, with the accredited representatives of the men concerned together with the Check Inspector and Engineer.

Control of P.W.D. Works—En-gineer-in-chief stated he would welcome information as to which foreman etc. were not efficient in practical knowledge.

Medical Attendance.—Referred tp Minister of Health.

Education.—Referred to Minister of Education, who promised to render his assistance.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19200618.2.2

Bibliographic details

Northern Advocate, 18 June 1920, Page 1

Word Count
1,505

PUBLIC WORKS. Northern Advocate, 18 June 1920, Page 1

PUBLIC WORKS. Northern Advocate, 18 June 1920, Page 1