THE COAL MINES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16680, 1 March 1920, Page 2

THE COAL MINES.

AGREEMENT RATIFIED,

, Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, March 1. ■ The coal miners’ agreement has' been ratified. Tho full test has been published and the terms of the national agreement are to he embodied in all local agreement. Other terms will be settled between individual unions and the companies and the settlements registered under the Arbitration Act. The minimum wage is 12s per shift, piece-workers to receive 50 per cent on pre-war prices, and day workers 60 per cent, except in the case of shiftmen, who receive a flat rate of 18s. ‘ Shift rates will not be amended during the currency of the agreement, which is for one" year, 2d is added to the ordinary hewing rates for two shift mines and Is 6d extra yardage in double shift places. Day shift men are to receive 6d extra on the afternoon and night shift. Not more than six pairs of miners shall be employed on the third shift except in an emergency. Three pence extra per ton shall be paid for three shift places. All rails are to be laid by the companies, which also undertake to supply explosives at the present* prices. All trucking is to be done by the company, but may be done by contract. Christie Bros., Taratuf Nightcaps, Waranui and Jubilee are excepted from this, but the owners are requested to use their influence to bring them into line. Tho hours of work remain the same. Christmas and New Year holidays are from December 24 to .1 anuary 4. District and national disputes committees are constituted and it is provided that no strike, lock-out, go-slow, or unnecessary stoppage shall take place till the matter had been referred to the National Committee, the decision of which is to be binding.