SUGAR-WORKERS' WAGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19376, 10 July 1926, Page 14

SUGAR-WORKERS' WAGES.

APPLICATION FOR INCREASE. ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS. The application of the Chelsea Sugar Workers' Union for a new award, on which there was a partial recommendation was heard in the Arbitration Court yesterday. The main requests of ths union were for increased wages and recognition of weekly employment. Mr. S. E. Wright appeared for the Colonial . Sugar Refining Company and Mr. J. Purtell for the union. Mr. Purtell said tire Court's refusal to increase the wages was contrary to the action taken by the Industrial Court of New South Wales. The work was of a special nature, and the. New South Wales Court, which had heard argument on both sides for a number of years, was evidently satisfied the work was worthy of a rate of wages higher than that for ordinary employment. Another factor was that the work had to be carried on for 24 hours every day except Saturday and Sunday, when the works were closed. The work was very trying and the effect could be noticed in" all departments of the works. The union asked for payment for holidays, and for a clause prohibiting contract and piecework. The wages scale sought, by the union ranged from £3 17s to £4 10s for adult workers and from £1 10s to £3 for juniors. Various witnesses were called to give evidence regarding the nature of the ' work. Mr. Wright said the dispute was before the Court for the fourth ■ time, and the case had been stated three times previously. It was contended the new machinery that had been installed had made the work much easier. The employers felt that "pinpricks" were saved, up for the conciliation and Court procedings, to make a bad impression. The company had been at all times ready to meet the employees. After evidence had been given by the works manager, Mr. W. C. Yeoman, Mr. Justice Frazer promised that the Court would -deliver its decision as soon as, possible.