TRAMWAYNIEN’S WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 July 1924, Page 4

TRAMWAYNIEN’S WAGES.

MEN AND ARBITRATION COURT. •THE JUDGE IS BIASSED.” Ry Tolegriph—PreH- Axsoitlaiion, Ohrietchurcli. Leet Night. The Tramway Union’s claim for increased wages and new condition* we* before the Conciliation Council yesteri The union’’ demands in respect of wages for the traffic section, with the present award rates in parenthesis, were t as follows: — | Motormen—First year. 2s per hour | (fiirat and second years Is Bid), and ; thereafter 2s Id (over two years 1» 19jd, over five years Is Ift|d>. I Conductors —First year. Is lid (first land second years H 7Jd), and thereafter 2s (over two years Is B|d, over five years Is 9Jd). The Hon. John Barr said that the board could not see way by which it could deviate from th? present wages. The matter would have to gn tn the court. The increases asked, for meant between £15,000 and £lO.OOO to the beard. The commissioner (Mr. W. H. Haggar) said that recently in every instance the employers had agreed t« slight increases and the court had granted the increases. Mr. Barr. “We have fully considered chat.” Mr- Hobbs, for the union, said they were asking that the men should bo paid in accordance with their responsibilities. After sown- further discussion Mr. Hobbs gffid: ,f T say quite candidly that we have little fafth in the Arbitration Court. The judge Is biassed in favour of the employers.” The commissioner: “You should not make such statements.” Mr. Barr: “Very inadvisable remarks.” Mr. Hobbs.- “Well, WheK I see the employers so keen on going to the court I cannot help feeling that they know they have an advantage.” The commissioner: “You do not want such statements to go before the court before you go yourself, do you!” Mr. Hobbs: *We have said so bofore.” No agreement was arrived at regarding wages, but a few minor claims were agreed to.