SEAMEN AND MINERS SEEK AGREEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 12

SEAMEN AND MINERS SEEK AGREEMENTS.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 30. An agreement has been drawn up between the United Mine Workers of New .Zealand and the New Zealand Seamen's Union, containing the following principal provisions: (1) The seamen are to refuse to carry coal should the miners be engaged in a fight, and to give financial support if necessary. (2) The miners are to refuse to produce coal for “scab” ships if the seamen are engaged in a fight, and to give financial support if necessary. (3) Before either union takes action which may involve the other, the other union is to be consulted. (4) These -proposals are to be submitted to the rank and file of both unions for endorsement. Both parties to the compact are seeking new agreements with the employers. Claims for increases in pay and for improved conditions of employment were recently advanced by the seamen.

Members of the National Council of the Miners’ Union recently decided to make the following claims upon mineowners, to cover all districts:—Seven and a half per cent increase in wage rater., five per cent increase in tonnage and yardage rates, five per cent increase in timber rates. It is claimed that there should be a weekly minimum of £4% 12s 6d for all adult workers, youths to be paid in proportion. Ten days’ holidays for all workers with service of one year or more is suggested, and there are other claims covering details of mihing work.