GOLD MINING DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22583, 23 November 1936, Page 10

GOLD MINING DISPUTE

READING OF AGREEMENT INTERPRETATION BY COURT Contractors coming within the scope of clause 11 of tho Martha Gold Mining Company (Wnihi) Goldininers' Industrial agreement, made in October, 1035, are covered by tho Arbitration Court's order fixing a 40-hour week for workers bound by the agreement. The Court has made this clear in ail opinion, given following an application for interpretation of several clauses in the agreement in relation to the order for a 40-hour week. It is also stated that for men on shift in batteries and tailings plants it is competent to arrange for broken shifts in order to spread tho work over six days, while it is also allowable to rearraugo the shifts so as to extend the working hours on a Saturday beyond the finishing time that was customary before the introduction of tho 40-hour week, notwithstanding that overtime rates are paid. Regarding the position of contractors, the (Joint said the relationship between the company and these miners was that of master and servant, and not of principal and independent contractor. Tho men were pieceworkers in the employ of the company, and were [herefore covered by tho order for a 40-hour week. Mr. A. L. Montoith, the workers' representative, dissented from the opinion concerning broken shifts.