WORK AND WAGES.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13470, 16 May 1914, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

AMALGAMATED SOCIETY OF

ENGINEERS

A NEW AWARD WANTED

[United Press Association.J

Wellington, May 15. Steps are now Being taken by the Wellington branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, in common with the branches in other centres, to secure a new industrial award. The demands presented by the men are in some respects, far-reaelimg. In place of the present working week of 46-2- hours, the men ask that this shall be cut down to 44 hours, and at the same time demand that very substantial increases in wages shall be granted all round. As against the roling rates of from Is 3d to Is 4£d per hour, the men are now seeking a common rate of Is Sd-per hour; and for pattern makers, who are now receiving Is 4£d, hot less than Is Syd per hour; for drillers, screwere, and other machinists, not otherwise mentioned Is 4Jd per hour is sought; while for leading hands' an additional 25 per cent, upon the rates mentioned is required. Another interesting clajm is that workers, when required to travel by sea, shall be allowed saloon fares in place of steerage. A worker employed outside of the employers' establishment shall be paid one shilling per day extra, or for any portion of a day; employees shall be paid their fares both ways, and allowed reasonable travelling expenses, and if required to stay away from home., their board and lodgings at current rates; when travelling at night time by train, if any second-class sleeping accommodation is provided the employer shall allow a second-class sleeping berth ticket. Special rates are demanded for.overtime and- work done on Sundays ; Is a; day extra for dirty work; the payment of "wages in the employers' time: the* prohibition of piece work, and full preference to unionists. The proportion of apprentices to^ the number of journeymen, it is asked, shall be restricted to as one to four, and' the following rates shall be paid: First year 10s per week, second year 15s third year 20s, fourth year 30s, and the fifth year 40s. A conference is proposed for May 26th. A prominent ironmaster, when asked by a reporter for his opinion as to the men's demands, said he was disgusted with them, Referring to the request for saloon passages, he said this, indeed, was "the last straw." "The employers." he added, "will strenuously oppose nearly every item, in the men s demands."'*' ~