BAKERS' DISPUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 6

BAKERS' DISPUTE

WAGES QUESTION DISCUSSED

ASSURANCE BY EMPLOYERS/

J (Peb United Peess Association.) WELLINGTON, October i 11. Conciliation proceedings in the Dominion dispute between the employees ot the bakers’ and pastrycooks related trades and the employers were continued to-night. . , . Mr T. 0, Bishop said the employers had given careful consideration to the original counter proposals, and ( fiad decided to submit'an amended schedule. The proposed hours were still 48, but Hhe starting time had been altered to an hour later, the proposed start for bakehouse workers being 4 a.m. The employers were also prepared to pay an extra 5s a week in each wage grade, making a reduction of 5 per cent, in the present award rates. Other minor alterations were also proposed. The employers were further prepared to include a preference clause. “We are not fightling unionism or collective bargaining," said Mr Bishop. ' . Replying, Mr Watson said the amended proposals were certainly a long way better (than the first lot. The workers’ assessors required time to consider them. On the commissioner's suggestion it was decided to adjourn until 9 o'clock tomorrow. . ... j During the proceedings pne of the workers’ assessors asked whether an assurance would be given that the proposed wage rates would not be subject to a further general reduction by order of the Mr Bishop replied that the court’s powers to make a reduction would expire on December-31, and therefore any fur-ther-order would have to be made before then. “I can assure you,” he said, “ that there is no intention on the part of the employers to-ask for another general order this year.”