CARPENTERS’ DISPUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10850, 16 March 1921, Page 5

CARPENTERS’ DISPUTE

MEN SECURE EMPLOYMENT GUILD SYSTEM OF CONTRACTING INTRODUCED. UNION SECRETARY EXPLAINS. All the carpenters who left their employment in tho city recently in consequence of the reduction of the maximum wage from 3s to 2s 9d per hour, according to Mr F. Singleton, secretary of the local union, have now secured work on other jobs in the city and country at terms satisfactory to themselves. Tho number of men affected was about 70, many of whom migrated to the country towns as soon as tho Master Builders’ Association enforced its decision.

Conversing with a ‘’Times” representative yesterday, Mr Singleton said that there were many jobs offering at a better wage than the master build era were paying in the city; one offer had come under his notice of a 3s per hour pay, with accommodation provided. In accordance with its decision at a recent meeting, the executive of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners was now embarking upon

the guild system of contracting, by which the organisation would undertake the erection of houses and carry out repair work. A good deal of machinery work would have to be done before the guild would be in full swing, but that was being considered by the committee, and he anticipated that it would soon be a growing body. THE EMPLOYERS’ STAND. The Master Builders’ Association is still remaining firm in its decision not to pay more than 2s 9d per hour. As a step towards the consolidation of their position, the employers have approached the local brandies of tho Institute of Architects and secured a guarantee of support in keeping the maximum rate of pay at 2s 9d. The association pointed out that certain architects in tho city who were carrying on business in the city in the dual capacity of architects and builders were encouraging labour at 3s per hour. An assurance has been received from the institute that it will do all it can to assist in stabilising the rates of pay to carpenters. In conversation with a reporter of the “Times” last evening, an official of the Master- Builders’ Association stated that many carpenters were accepting work with members of the association at the 2s 9d rate. Some employers were being offered more labour than they could deal with. He had reason to believe that some of these men were amongst those who had previously left "their jobs rather than accept the 3d reduction. One or two firms ivere finding diffieultv in finding sufficient carpenters, and the members of the association had resolved to use their best endeavours to secure labour for these contractors. “None of our members are paying more than 2s 9d per hour,” he declared emphatically in answer to a question. Many firms have offers of men really greater than their requirements, while other employers appear to have been singled out to be shunned. It is our intention to resist this as far _as possible and approach the union in respect to it. No firms, !he added, had been obliged to close down as a result of a loss in the number of employees, although some had had their hands much reduced in numbers.