ENGINEERS’ CLAIMS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8734, 16 May 1914, Page 7

ENGINEERS’ CLAIMS

NEW AWARD WANTED.

Tbe AVellington branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers is taking steps to obtain a new industrial award. The statement of demands shows that in place of the present working week of 46J- hours the men ask that this shall be cut down to 44. They also desire that substantial increases in wages shall be granted all round. As against the ruling rates of from Is- 3d to Is 4id per hour, they are seeking a common rate of Is 8d per hour, and for pattern-makers, who are now receiving Is 4id, not less than Is Bjd per hour. For drillers, sfcrewers, and other -machinists not otherwise mentioned, Is 4jd per hour is sought, while for leading hands an additional 25 per cent, upon the rates mentioned is required. r The union claims that workers, wnen required .to travel by sea, shall be allowed saloon fares in place of steerage. as at present. Tbe conditions demanded for outside work are: (a) A worker employed outside of the employer’s establishment shall be paid one shilling p'er day extra, or for any portion of a day; (b) all employees required to travel to a job during working hours shall be paid for such hours at ordinary rate, also for snob ordinary working hours that they may bo kept waiting after arrival at the job; (c) all employees required to travel outside of ordinary working hours shall he paid for the actual time of travelling, provided that the maximum number of hours on each outward or homeward journey to be so paid shall not exceed twelve; (d employees shall be paid their fares both ways and reasonable travelling expenses, and .if required to stay_ away from home their board and lodging at current rates; (e) employees travelling by boat shall, if travelling by coastal boat, be allowed saloon fare; and if travelling by inter-State boat, secondclass faro, except when, such represents steerage, in which case saloon fare shall be allowed; (f) when travelling at night time by train, if at any time second-class sleeping accommodation is provided, tbe employer shall allow second-class sleeping berth ticket. Patternmakers, for work done outside the employer’s establishment, shall receive Is por day extra; (g) any employee sent out to work and placed in charge of one or more workmen shall receive 3s per day extra. Special rates are sought for overtime and work done on Sundays, Is a day extra for dirty work, the payment of wages in the employers’ time, the prohibition of piece-work, and full preference to unionists. The proportion of apprentices to the number of journeymen, it is asked, shall be restricted to as one to four, and the following rates shall be paid; First year 10s per week, second vear 15s, third year 20s, fourth year 80s, and fifth year 40s. A conference is proposed for Tuesday evening, the 26th inst.