CONCILIATION COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3214, 20 October 1915, Page 3

CONCILIATION COUNCIL.

GENERAL LABOURERS’ DEMANDS. AUCKLAND, October 14. There were some unusual features in pro* posals that were placed before the Com oiliation Council this morning by the assessors for the General Labourers’ Union. The task that confronted the counoil was the framing of a now award for coal, lime, and cement workers. This section of the General Labourers Union comprises about 20 per cent of the membership. The proposals were a recognition of a 40-hour week (as against 48 hours), and a suggestion that the rate of wages be fixed at 2s per hour for handling lime, cement, and coal, and Is 5d for all other work in this section. Some 218 employers' were cited. The counter proposals of the employers were on the lines of the existing award, with one or two exceptions. The Commissioner remarked that the proposals of the union included some features which were different from any that he had ever come, across before. The union asked for a 40-hour week and for a considerable increase in wages. It also asked for some conditions which he thought would be found to bo not applicable t<x this award. He pointed out that the onus; of proving the reasonableness of the claims rested on the union. These “doublebarrelled” claims—fewer hours and more wages—had never been entertained by tha court in the past, and here were doublebarrelled claims with a vengeance. 110 suggested that the union might consider tha position and possibly waive the clause about the reduction in hours. There was certainly no hope of any satisfactory solution of the case us it stood. The court would not deal with it. The council went into committee to consider the position and to endeavour to reach a satisfactory compromise.