STONEMASONS' DISPUTE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 566, 2 December 1915, Page 3

STONEMASONS' DISPUTE.

CONSIDERED BY CONCILIATION COUNCIL. The dispute between the Christchurch Operative Stonemasons' Union and the Christchurch builders and contractors was considered by the Conciliation Council yesterday. The Commissioner, Mr J. R. Triggs, presided. Messrs J. H. Maynard, J. Graham, and 11. Pearce appeared for the employers, and the Hon. J. Barr and Messrs J. Gibson and G. W. Fairfull'appeared for the employees. Messrs James Tait, J. B. Mansfield, and G. \V. J. Parsons applied for exemption, on the grounds that they were bound by the monumental masons' award. Sylvester and Co. made a similar application, 011 the grounds that they employ monumental masons and 'are also bound bv the award.

The application was opposed by the Hon. J. Barr. It was eventually decided that this phase of the dispute should be heard on 'Wednesday next, at 10 a.m.

The detailed statement of claims urged a 40 hours' week performed during five days of eight hours each; August 1 to April 30 the hours of 'work to be between 8 a.m and 5 p.m., with one hour for dinner; from May 1 to July 31 the hours of work to be between 8 a.;n. and 4.30 p.m., with half an hour for dinner. On jobs situated over one and a-half miles from the Chief Post 01li.ee in Christchurch and Timaru, and coming under the definition of suburban work, the meal hour may be as arranged, provided it be not less than half an hour and that not more than eight hours are worked, each dayAll journeymen masons to receive not less than 1/8 per hour on all work contracted for after December 1, 1915. All hours worked beyond those specified to be considered overtime, and be paid for at the rate of time and a-quarter for the first two hours, time and a-half up to 10 p.m., and double time between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Overtime on Saturdays to start at 8 a.m. at time and a-half rates, and double time after 12 noon. The usual' provisions for holidays, apprentices, preference, and general conditions were made.The only question discussed was that of the 40-hour week. Mr Barr claimed that yearly work would be jn the same position as at present, but the workers would be better off financially and in health by having Saturday work cut out. Mr Maynard admitted that the cutting out of Saturday work would benefit the workers' health, but it would hardly do to apply the principle to one trade only. Other trades would be affected by the alteration. The 44-hour week was retained, and the employers agreed to all the other claims of the,workers.