SEAMEN’S WAGES

Southland Times, Issue 21854, 3 November 1932, Page 5

SEAMEN’S WAGES

TEN PER CENT CUT. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, November 2. It was reliably stated this evening that the Seamen’s Union has agreed to accept a ten per cent, wage cut. The decision is the outcome of ballots taken at stop work meetings and is the result of negotiations between the union and the Shipowners’ Federation. The reduction affects both deck hands and engine room staffs. Up to the present extreme reticence has been observed by both parties. It is understood the voting in favour of accepting the cut disclosed a two to one majority. Union officials refuse to issue a statement covering the position. Similarly it is not admitted that the Shipowners’ Federation has been advised officially as to the result of the ballot. It is believed the ten per cent, cut will operate from November 1 and also that the acceptance is for a limited period of three months. The acceptance of the ten per cent, cut does not necessarily mean the owners and the union have reached a new agreement. Though closely related the issues have been separated by the union and the decision regarding a new agreemnt will not be finalized until the result of a plebiscite to be taken at all New Zealand ports is known. This may not be until the end of January. The acceptance of the 10 per cent, cut means in effect that seamen’s wages will be subject to the same reduction as those of workers who were affected by the Arbitration Court’s general order. The previous agreement between the Union and Shipowners’ Federation was not subject to the general order.