CONCILIATION COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 23

CONCILIATION COUNCIL.

WOOLLEN MILLS DISPUTE. CHRISTCHURCH, July 15. To-day the Conciliation Cemmissioner ( Mr J. R. Triggs, presided over the trial dispute between the New Zealand Federated Woollen Mills Employees’ Association of Workers and the New Zealand Woollen Millers Federation of Employers. The dispute had as its aim the establishment of a dominion award for the whole industry, and sought improvements- upon the Petone award, which expired in April. After some discussion, conferences were held and an agreement practically arrived at. The agreement practically adopted the old award, with certain rises in wages. The new rates are;—For male workers over the age of 21: Wool sorters, £2 14s per week; tuners, £5; warpers, £2 16s; pattern weavers and loom, £2 12s; spinners, £2.125; assistant carders, £2-12s; lathers, £2 Bs. Boys: 14 to 15 years, 10s a week; 15 to 16 years, 13s; 16 to 17 years, 17s 6d; 17 to 18 years, 22s 6d; 18 to 19 years, 305.; 19 to 20 years, 37s 6d; 20 to 21 years, 425; thereafter the minimum of £2 8s per week. Girls: First year, 10s a week ; second year, 13s; third year, 16s; fourth year, 22s 6d; thereafter, a mimimum of 27s 6d per week. The overtime clause was adopted, time and a-quarter for the first three hours, time and a-*half for the second three hours, and double time thereafter till the ordinary starting time next morning. Wight work for youths and boys was limited to those of 18 and over, and to carry an increase of 3s per week above that of day rates, with a minimum of £2 11s for those over 21 years of age. The employers, in giving the minimum of £2 Bs, agreed to make employment upon a weekly basis, and to pay for six statutory holidays during the year. The usual under-rate workers’ clauso and tho court’s preference clause were inserted. The term of agreement is to be from August 1, 1914, to May 16, 1917.