THE NORTHERN STEAMSHIP CO, AND THE SEAMEN'S UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9130, 11 August 1888, Page 3

THE NORTHERN STEAMSHIP CO, AND THE SEAMEN'S UNION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,No objection can, I think, be taken on the score of any leaning towards either side in your article on this subject; but it appeared to me that information was omitted on the one most important point that would enable the general public to judge as to the merits of the case; and that is, a statement of the rate of wages demanded by the Seamen's Union and the rates offered by the company. I am informed that the rate of pay demanded by the Seamen's Union is £7 per month for eight hours' work per diem, with overtime in addition, with board and lodging free. These eight hours are not any eight hours in the day but a fixed eight hours, so that in the case of short voyages in tidal harbours, as is the case in the Northern Steam Co.'s trade, overtime is unavoidable, and I am informed, averaged from £1 to £2 per month. Now, I think the bulk of our working population will agree that these wages are largely in excess of those current for similar descriptions of labour. The wages now being paid by the company are £6 per month on the East Coast and £7 on the West Coast, free rations, and no overtime. I believe the company did not object so much to the £7 per month as to the overtime.— I ant. &c., Shareholder.