AN EYE ON THE CLOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17348, 20 December 1919, Page 8

AN EYE ON THE CLOCK.

—*— FORTY-HOUR WEEK DEMANDED ENGINEERS' LABOURERS. 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 for a 40-hour week, consisting of five days of eight hours each. Two " smokos" a day are requested, and also 10 minutes for washing of their hands before meals and knockingoff time. This will reduce the actual working time to 36 hours a week. Ordinary wages are now demanded at the rate of 2s 4d an Lour, as against a current rate of Is 6d an hour for a 47-hour week. It is proposed that all overtime except urgent necessary and emergency work be 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 be allowed 2a 6d for a meal. Youths between the ages of 16 and 17 are to be paid £1 17s 6d a week, increasing by 7s 6d a week annually, the proportion of boys to men to be one 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 inconvenience." Compulsory preference to unionists is demanded, also the right of entry for the workers' representative to all jobs.