AXEMEN £l2 l2s A WEEK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18295, 12 July 1921, Page 8

AXEMEN £l2 l2s A WEEK

TIMBER WORKERS’ DEMANDS. In the new log of the Australian Timber Workers’ Union (says the Argus), which has been served upon all mjll employers in tho various States except Queensland, extraordinary demands are made. A copy of the dehas also been served on the Forests Department of each State. Tho union asks for a definite reply within 21 days of the date of service whether a new set of wages .and conditions will be granted, or, as an alternative, a conference agreed upon, so that an agreement may be arrived at. It is intimated that :f the employers are not prepared to meet the union the matter will lie submitted to the 'Federal Arbitration Court for nii award. The wages asked for range ns high as £l2 12s a week in the case of broad axemen. For saw “doctors” from £ll to £l2 12s is claimed, and £lO 4s for sawyers, "pullers out.” mantelpiece makers, carpenters, joiners, blacksmiths, timber benchers, and nearly all machinists and) saw sharpeners. A wage of £9 is being asked for t watchmen, and for most of the hands at (he mills rates claimed range from £8 8s to £ll. Those for enginedrivers and firemen are from £9 2s to £ll Is. For greasers, engine-cleaners, trimmers, and fnelmen they are £lO 2s. and for casual hands 6s an hour. Bullock drivers, it is proposed, should be paid £lO 10s, and onliiary labourers £7 IGs a week, and boys betiveen 10 and 19 from £4 10s to £6 10s. A 44-hour week is also sought. Even if the timber business were normal, such extraordinary demands could not be granted, but wages and overhead charges have already proved too great for many of the smaller mills. It is not known whut action the respective State Governments intend to take, but it is probable that a conference of representatives of the various Forests Departments will be held. New South Wales is expected to join the other Stales in resisting the demands, and oppose any attempt by the Federal Arbitration Court to interfere with State instrumentalities.