DISSATIFIED UNIONISTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14185, 10 April 1908, Page 3

DISSATIFIED UNIONISTS

A REMARKABLE STATEMENT.

Our Own CorkksponmntJ

, WELLINGTON, April 9. The following letter appears ia to-night's Post: —

"Sir—l read tho Canterbury Tanners and Fellmongers' Union.is dissatisfied with, arbitration. I would liko to point out that tho 6aid union is not, the only ono which has • occasion to be dissatisfied. When,-at tho 27th of last month, tho dispute between tho Wellington Steam Ferry Company and tho Federated Seamen's Union was heard the parties camo to .an agreement, the hours of work to he 10, inclnsivo of two meal hours, but tho award filed by tho Arbitration Court sots the hours of work down at 10, exeksivo of two meal heurs, which ■leaves us practically under tho same slaving conditions wo had before. Under the old award the hours of work were 70, and under tho now award wc work seven days at 10 hours tho day, r which speaks for itself. I think at'the. next'meeting of the union wo will have no trottblo ia endorsing tho resolution of the Canterbury Tanners j and Fellmongers' Union.—l am, etc., W. Williams,"

In roferenco to this, tho Po3t Bays: — "Tho statements made by our correspondent aro borne out by Mr W. Jone6, secretary of the Federated Seamen's Union. In fact, on Maroh 30, ho wrote to tho registrar of the Arbitration Court on tho subject. In his letter ho expressed the opinion that a clerical error had been committed, as the union had agreed to 10 hours per day, inclusivo of two meal hours. He added in the letter that if tho award was allowed to go without amendment tho men would bo worso off than under tho old award. Tho seorotary also said in the letter: "I am satisfied his Honor said the working hours per day shall be 10, during which 10 hours the ■ men shall be allowed two hours for meals if they so desire."

In reply the lejr/ieftrar, writing from Napier, said that Mr Pryor, the employers representative, tifdi not agree with Mr Jones's yjew. "If necessary," ho added, " you ear' bring the subject before the court on its return to town."