CONCILIATION COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23118, 18 February 1937, Page 10

CONCILIATION COUNCIL

BISCUIT AND CONFECTIONERY DISPUTE WAGES NOT SETTLED (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 17. Although a tentative agreement was reached on many o:C the minor points in the Dominion biscuit and confectionery employees’ industrial dispute heard by the Conciliation Council today, the question of wages was hardly broached when the council adjourned until to-morrow morning. The two sides have not yet agreed on a classification of employees, and after the employers had increased the offer of wages in their original statement the council was adjourned for the day, A 40-hour week on five days of the week Was agreed to, except in the case of conche room operatives, who could be called upon to work not more than four hours on Saturday morning at ordinary rates of pay, provided that not more than 40 hours are worked in any one week. The employers demanded the right to work night shifts, but the employees said that night work was abhorrent to them. Overtime was agreed to at time and a-half rates for the first three hours at night time and for the first four hours on Saturday morning, and after these set times at double rates. Piecework was agreed on at not less than the current piecework rates, subject to variation by mutual consent, provided that such worker should receive at least 10 per cent, each day more than if he was employed on a weekly wage. ENGINE DRIVERS’ CLAIMS APPLICATION FO'R NEW AWARD (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 17. Consideration of the application by the Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson, and Marlborough Engine Drivers’ and Their Assistants’ Industrial Union of Workers for a new award was continued in the Conciliation Council. Agreement was reached on all points except wages and holidays for workers outside the Factories Act. These outstanding points will be discussed this morning. Overtime will be paid for at time and a-half for the first four hours and double time thereafter. An em-rgency clause, however, allows county councils to operate in special circumstances, when the hours of work may be eight night or day at ordinary rates. Traction engine drivers may agree to different hours Those er.g.-.eed in agricultural work can contract at payment by a tonnage rate so long as their earnings are 10 per cent, above the ordinary rate. Where workers are required to travel the usual travelling allowances will be made and where a worker is required to stay away from home the employer is to pay travelling expenses to and from the place of work. Where a worker has to find his own accommodation he will be paid 4s 6d a day extra. Where accommodation is found by the employer, 2s 6d a day is to be paid to each worker for a food allowance while in such accommodation. Dirt money is to be paid at 2s a day extra, except that workers engaged in clearing hospital refuse are to be paid :2s 6d a day extra.