DISPUTE WITH SEAMEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3961, 11 February 1930, Page 21

DISPUTE WITH SEAMEN.

DEMAND FOR HIGHER RATES. CHRISTCHURCH, February G. the Chatham Islands steamer Tees sailed for Waitangi at noon to-day. The vessel was originally scheduled to sail from Lyttelton to the Chathams on Tuesday evening, but was delayed owing to the deck hands refusing to take the ship to sea unless given a guarantee by the owners that they would concede an additional Is 6d per hour over and above the union rates of pay while engaged in handling cargo either at the Chathams or at Lyttelton. The owners refused to grant the extra money, not wishing to create a precedent. In view of the fact that the payment was not authorised by the award the matter was referred to the Shipowners’ Federation, yvho apparently consulted with the Seamen’s Union. So far as could be ascertained by the agents of the ship up to Wednesday evening no satisfactory reply had been received from the union. The men contended from the first that it yvas not a union affair, but purely individual. In view of the large quantities of sheep awaiting shipment at the Chathams and the seriousness of the vessel lieing delayed, the Westland Shipping Company had no option but to meet the demands of the men. It was agreed to pay the differential rate, winch is equal to the men's demand, pending a reply from the Shipowners’ 1' ederation in respect to the result of its conference with the Seamen's Union. The agents of the Tees express keen dissatisfaction concerning the manner in which the dispute yvas handled ty the executive of the Shipowners’ Federation. It was pointed out that the seamen concerned draw about £l6 a month in wages, in addition to about £lO a month overtime. It is expected that the additional Is Gd per hour demanded will amount to another £lO, making a total of £36 per month, besides their keep.