NURSERYMEN'S DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18018, 17 February 1922, Page 6

NURSERYMEN'S DISPUTE.

A PARTIAL AGREEMENT.

WAGES REFERRED TO COURT.

Consideration of the nurserymen's and landscape gardeners' dispute was concluded yesterday at a sitting of a conciliation council, when an agreement was reached on all points except that of wages. The conciliation commissioner, Mr. T. Harle

Giles, presided. The following conditions were agreed on: —A 48-hour week, to be worked between the hours of 7.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on five days of the week, and between 7.30 a.m. and noon on Saturdays; or, by mutual arrangement, the hours may fall between 7.30 a.ir.. and 5.30 p.m., and between 7.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on Saturday. Overtime is to be paid for at the rate of timo and a-half for the first three hours and double time thereafter. For work done on holidavs, workers are to receive pay at ordinary rate, in addition to the weekly wages, while hourly workers are to receive double rates. A new clause provides that all Sunday work in connection with stoves or greenhouses shall be paid for at the rate of three shillings an hour. By mutual arrangement, holidays may be allowed to accumulate, and may be taken at a time mutually agreed upon. Conditions in regard to country work, term of engagement, under-rate workers, and accidents remain the same a s in the old award. The apprentice clause has been agreed on, with two minor exceptions. Ihe term of the new award is for two years. The question of wages was referred to the Arbitration Court, it being understood that no alteration would take place in regard to wages or conditions until after April 30 Any general pronouncement made by the Court in regard to reduction of wages would apply to this award. l A vote of thanks was accorded the com) missioner for his assistance In reaching 6uch a satisfactory conclusion.