PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3615, 26 June 1923, Page 11

PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES.

CONFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON, June 21. A conference between representatives of the New Zealand Workers’ Union and the Minister of Public Works and his departmental officers was held to-day to discuss proposals for a new agreement covering the men employed on various public works undertakings throughout the dominion. In explaining the proposals on behalf of the men, Mr Grayndler (secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union) stated that it was desired that an improvement should be obtained on the conditions prevailing. It was asked that the present interim rates of pay be revised to the extent of a 10 per cent, increase added to the wages of sections and that all men working in tunnels jwith the exception of shift bosses and gangers) be placed on the same scale of wages and that all men working in quarries (except hammer and drill men) be paid the same wages. Hammer and drill men, it was suggested, should be paid Is per day extra The schedule should include blacksmiths, carpenters, riveters, motor lorry drivers, engine drivers, firemen, cleaners, guards’ fitters, stationary engine cleaners, and pump attendants, who should all receive a 10 per cent, increase on the minimum rates provided in the various industrial awards which cover these classes of workers, ior men working in wet places the union wanted the weekly hours to be reduced from 47 to 44. Instead of time and a-quarter it was proposed that overtime should be paid for at the rate of time and a-half and that weekly wage workers be paid overtime for all work done over and above the ordinary working day. Ten minutes each morning and afternoon were asked for “smoke-oh’s.” such time to be paid for. As territorials bad to comply with the Military Training Act it was requested that these men be paid for all time occupied in attending drills. Various minor additions to the existing conditions were pressed bv Mr Grayndler, who urged that the provision of the 1919 agreement, with respect to hut accommodation should be re-established, and that building conveniences should be provided, also separate conveniences for each family. The union was prepared to take full responsibility for the care and control of hutments erected by the department for its employees. It also asked for relief from a system which debased men to the lowest rung of the human ladder of starvation It was a fact that, the men so employed found it impossible to earn sufficient to more than maintain themselves, their wives, and their children in a miserable existence. The conference was interrupted through the Minister being very busy with other matters.