CHRISTCHURCH BAKERS' DISPUTE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2310, 9 June 1898, Page 21

CHRISTCHURCH BAKERS' DISPUTE.

Christchurch, M»y,3l. Evidence and arguments in the bakers' dispute before the Conciliation Board were cobeluded to-day. The masters were prepared i.~. alloTf ths hours to be 54 per week, and con tended that it would be an impossibility fco fix tbe hours per day. The cl»uge as to the bovur of starting work proposed by the men would b?

I accepted. They would agree to pay the over- ■ time of time and s-qoarl.er and time and a-half j. as asked for. For a time they wished ifc left i optional for tlis men to liva ou tne premises of

the n?aster, and in cases where men board away 15<s per week lodging would be allowed. They wculd be prepared to allow one apprentice feu each two men, but they objected to binding | them, considering fcbab forced apprenticeships • were t bjQgs of the past-. The age of youths — ;14 years to 17 years-^would be accepted. The j wages vo be paid would b* I,* per hoar for first j hand, 30d per hour for the second, and sdper honr for third hands. This, it was contended, was as far as the masters would go, as the baking trade was not on all fours with other trades. Work' on Sundays and holidays to be paid time and a- half. Jobbers to be paid

time and a-quarter when employed for less

than a week. Before any overtime could be charged 54 hours mast have been worked in the week. No questions would be asked as to whether a man belonged to the union or not,

and no distinction would be made.

The men

declined to accept these conditions, and evidence was given on behalf of the masters to show that at the present price of flour and bread to accede to the full demands of the men would mean a heavy loss in business. The board reserved its decision. The Carpenters and Joiners' Union have signified their acceptance of the decision of the Conciliation Board in connection with the dispute at Racgiora.

June 3. The Conciliation Board's recommendation in the bakers' dispute is made public. It provides for 8£ hours as a da; 'a work, a half hour to be allowed for breakfast, and one hour for dinner. Four o'clock as the hour for starting work, except; on Saturdays and the days preceding holidays when it is to be 3 o'clock. Overtime at time and a quarter for the first four hours, time and a half afterwards. Men not to be

compelled to sleep on the employers' premises,

but in oases where they elect to do so they jihall allow 15s per week for board. One apprentice allowed to every "two journeymen, apprenticeship to be four years, fine starting age ranging from 14 to 1? years. Wages are to be nob less than £2 15s for a foreman, £2 7s 6d for secoad hand, and £2 for third hand, for two months from June 13, after that date foreman, £3 ; second hand, £2 lOi ; third, £2 5s per week; jobbers, 10a a day » or £2 10s per week and overtime ; Sunday's sponging to cover all Saturday holidays. Holidays to be paid at time and a half in addition to weekly wage. Carters, not to be employed in the bakehouse, but a baker raay deliver bread, not working more than 8£ hcur3 a day. Unionists to have preference, and where both work together no distinction to be made. Any dispute under this rule to be settled by a committee of employers and men, and if they cannot agree, by the Board of Conciliation.