WAGES IN GOLD MINES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21805, 21 May 1934, Page 10

WAGES IN GOLD MINES

PROPOSALS AT WAIHI TENTATIVE NEW TERMS UNION TO TAKE BALLOT [from our OWN correspondent] "VVAIHI, Sunday A report on the conference during tho past week with representatives of tho Waihi Gold Mining Company and the Golden Dawn Company for a now industrial agreement was presented by tho union's assessors at a special meeting of the Ohinemuri Mines and Batteries Employees' Union, held in the Academy Theatre this morning. Tho president of .tho union, Mr. E. Dye, presided and there was a crowded attendance. Tho chairman, in oponing tho meeting, stated that tho assessors desired to present their report, and it was the duty of every member of tho union to give it serious consideration as it had a boarinp; on the welfare of all concerned. Ho stated that Mr. J. Roberts, the union's advocate, would present the principal report, but the other delegates would answer questions or submit their reports if necessary. Mr. Roberts submitted a lengthy report and also a tentative agreement arrived at. Tho proposals were:—(l) That a flat increase in wages of Is 4d per shift be made. (2) That 8d of this amount bo added to schedule rates and 8d bo paid by way of bonus quarterly to day workers. These payments to bo retrospective to March 19, 1934. (3) That in the case of the Golden Dawn mine an increase in wages of 8d per shift be made subject to the proviso that the question of -wages may be reopened by the union after a period of three months.

After a lengthy discussion it was decided to take a secret ballot of the members of tho union on the proposals submitted by the assessors and that that ballot be taken on Tuesday at tho shaft beads and at tho company's battery at Waikino in order to obtain tho viows of all tho members of the union.

At the conclusion of tho meeting a motion of thanks and confidence was passed to tho advocate and tho assessors who conducted the case. If the terms aro accepted, and it is anticipated that they will, tho earnings of the Waihi company's wage workers will be almost on a level with tho rato obtaining prior to tho 10 per cent cut made in June, 1931, but in tho caso of the contractors the Is 4d per shift will mean less. Their weekly earnings vary considerably.