CITY COUNCIL CITED

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11248, 28 June 1922, Page 5

CITY COUNCIL CITED

TRAMWAYMEN’S DISPUTE IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING CONDITIONS DESIRED. THE UNION’S RIGHTS. A conference wns called by the Oon-cilliat-ion OommisMoner (Mr V. Newton) yesterday, noon instructions from the Minister for "Labour, between representatives of the Wellington Tramwavs Union and the City Council. Tlie agreement under which the tranivaj men are working expires at the end of this month, and the union cited tlie council under the provision of the Labour Disputes Investigation Act. A previous conference was held between the parties at the Town Hall, but no agreement was arrived at. It is understood tho tramwaymen are not seeking any great increases in rates of pay, but are asking principally for improvement in working conditions. By citing the council under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act the union enables itself to take advantage of the right to go out on strike failing an agreement Wing arrived at, and after a ballot has been taken on that question. The conference was held in private. Tho Conciliation Commissioner stated to a ‘‘Times’’ reporter last evening that no announcement could be made as to the progress being made. The city engineer (Mr W. Morton), Mr W. McGillivray (tramways traffic manager), and Mr Peterson .appeared on behalf of the City Council with Mr W. A. W. Grenfell as agent, and Mr A. L. Monteith, secretary, and Mr Hobbs for the union.