SEAMEN’S WAGES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 601, 3 November 1932, Page 5

SEAMEN’S WAGES.

Men Said to Have Agreed to Cut. OFFICIALS RETICENT. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 2. It was reliably stated this evening that the Seamen’s Union has agreed to accept a 10 per cent wage cut. The decision is the outcome of ballots taken at stop-work meetings, and is the result of negotations between the union and Shipowners Federation. The reduction affects both deck hands and engine room staffs. Up to the present extreme reticence has been observed by both parties. It is understood that the voting in favour of accepting the cut disclosed a two to one majority. Union officials refuse to issue a statement covering the position. Similarly it is not admitted that the Shipowners’ Federation has been advised officially as to the result of the ballot. It is believed that the ten per cent cut will operate from November 1, also that acceptance is limited to a period of three months. The acceptance of the 10 per cent cut does not necessarily mean that the owners and the union have reached a new agreement. Though closely related the issues have been separated by the anion, and the decision regarding a new agreement will not be known until the result of the plebiscite to be taken at all New Zealand ports is known. This may not be until the end of January. Acceptance of the 10 per cent cut means in effect that seamen’s wages will be subjc. t to the same reduction as those of workers who were affected by the Arbitration Court’s general order. The previous agreement between the Union and the shipowners federation was not subject to the general order.