NO OVERTIME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12784, 30 October 1919, Page 7

NO OVERTIME.

ENGINEERS’ DECISION. By an advertisement in to-day's papers, the Amalgamated -Society of Engineers informs all members that as a result of a ballot, all overtime is to cease after Saturday next until further notice. “ Some of: the employers are paying overtime on the full wage, including the war bonus,” said Mr N. Orton, secretary of the society, in answer to a reporter’s inquiry. Others again—a few—are not doing so, and are paying only oh tire flat rate. Wo consider it very unfair, and paltry' on their part, as the amount involved is very small, and we have asked them to consider it and see if they cannot alter. There aro only one or two who arepaying overtime on the lower rate, but ,the society, by a very largo majority, decided to work no overtime until they are paid on the full rate.” Mr Orton added that the cost of living was still going up, and if the society had its case before the Court at present he believed they, would obtain a further rise in wages. The flat rate was Is 7id, plus 2|d an hour bonus; and overtime was now paid at time and l a half. Not very much overtime was worked, however.’ A leading engineering employer expressed surprise at the decision, and remarked that the Amalgamated Society was the one Labour organisation with which there had never been the slightest hitch. The ■ overtime rate had been raised from 1 time and a. quarter to time and a half from October 1. and the employers, .except in cases of breakdown, where othfir workers' were involved, were notary; anxious s to pay the increased .rate, .and- not a great deal of overtime was . being worked.