PUBLIC WORKS

Southland Times, Issue 18974, 22 June 1923, Page 6

PUBLIC WORKS

HIGHER PAY SOUGHT. UNION CONFERS WITH MINISTER. (Per United Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 21. A conference between representatives cf the New Zealand Workers’ Union and the Minister of Public Works and departmental officers was held to-day to discuss proposals for a new agreement covering men employed on various Public Works undertakings throughout the Dominion. Explaining the proposals on behalf of the men, Mr Grayndler, secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, stated 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 10 per cent, increase added to the wages of all sections and that all men working in tunnels (with the exception of shift bosses and gangers), be placed on the same scale of wage and that all men working in quarries (except hammer and drill men), he paid the same wage. Hammer and drill men, it was suggested, should be paid 1/- a day extra. The schedule should include blacksmiths, carpenters, riveters, motor-lorry drivers, engine-drivers, firemen, cleaners, guards, fitters, stationary engine cleaners and pump atendants 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. For men working in wet places the union asked that the weekly hours be reduced from 47 to 44. Instead of time and quarter, it was proposed 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 aud above an ordinary working day. Ten minutes each morning and afternoon was asked for “smoke-ohs,” such time to be paid for. As territorials have to comply with the Military Training Act, it was requested these men be paid for all time occupied in attending drills. Various minor additions to existing conditions were pressed by Mr Grayndler, who urged that the provision of the 1919 agreement with respect to hut accommodation should be re-established, that bathing conveniences should be provided and also separate conveniences for each family. “The union is prepared to take full responsibility for the care and control of hutments erected by the Department for its employees. We also ask for relief. The system debases men to the lowest rung cf the human ladder of starvation. It is a fact that men so employed find it impossible to earn sufficient to more than maintain themselves, their wives and children, in miserable existence. The conference adjourned till the afternoon to allow the Minister to attend a deputation.