DISSATISFIED WORKERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13846, 4 September 1908, Page 6

DISSATISFIED WORKERS.

UNREST IN A BOOT FACTORY. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN- CORRESPONDENT.] Dunedin, Thursday. A seeling of unrest is reported to exist among the operatives employed in one of the leading boot factories in Dunedin, following, it is alleged, on the introduction of a new manager. It is stated that men who have been for many years in the employ of the firm in question are being discharged, and their places filled by new arrivals. Further, there has been introduced, without in any Way consulting the employees or the union, a system of paying by results, which practically means working under piecework conditions. It is stated that not only were employees not consulted over this sudden change, but that they have not Uen acquainted with the rates of payment which form the basis of the new system. The secretary of the Bootmakers' Union informed a Times reporter that unrest prevailed throughout the factory, with the exception if < the girls and rough-stuff cuti ters. The minimum weekly wage is £2 5s for a 45 hours' week, and the maximum is £3. Under the piecework system that prevailed some years ago the men certainly made over £4 per week, but there are some at the present time _ who stand a chance of having their earnings considerably reduced under the newly-introduced system, and then if they are unable to make the minimum under the award the . probable result will be dismissal. The , Federation of Bootmakers' Unions of New :' Zealand purposes moving in the direction : of formulating a statement, which is to be submitted to employers generally, by which the system will be'one of piecework, with ■ a minimum weekly wage. The trouble rei ferred to above is at present under the consideration of the local union.