MEN CEASE WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22860, 15 October 1937, Page 14

MEN CEASE WORK

TE AWAMUTU DISPUTE QUESTION OF TIME OFF [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] TE AWAMUTU, Thursday A dispute over the withdrawal of permission for a " smoko " resulted in 30 men working on the rebuilding of the Commercial Hotel in Te Awamutu downing tools early this morning. The men are employees of the firm of N. Cole, Limited, of Auckland, contractors for the building. The men's delegate pointed out this afternoon that although they were working a 60-hour week, tjiey were only receiving the country allowance based on a 40-hour week. For time worked above 40 hours they received an extra Id an hour, but this did not compensate them for the extra board and lodging entailed, and actually they were losers to the extent of about 15s 6d a week. " We have adhered strictly to the award, and it is difficult to see how the men claim to be losing 15s 6d a week," said Mr. F, Scale, of N. Cole, Limited, last night. The country allowance being paid at Te Awamutu comprised boarcl, for which the allowance was 31s a week, travelling expenses and time for travelling. When the men's board was paid, they were able to work any hours they liked, but they had to be paid Id above the hourly rate of pay for each hour over 40 they worked. The award did not permit of the men working more than five hours without a break and they were not doing so.