NOVEL BARGAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 27 November 1936, Page 6

NOVEL BARGAIN

CONCESSIONS FOR HOURS SOFT DRINK WORKERS i Per Press Association, t WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. A novel bargain was arranged between workers and employers at the hearing of the Wellington Industrial District Aerated Water Employees dispute in the Conciliation Court to-day. Under the recent order of the Court of Arbitration the hours of work for the soft drinks manufacturing industry were fixed at 44 a week in the summer months, from November 1 to April 30. and 36 hours in the winter months, from May 1 to October 30. | The awards in force were amended accordingly. To-day the Union traded away four i hours in return for certain concessions ’ in wages, time off and holidays by i agreeing to work a 40-hour week in the six winter months instead of 36. The summer hours remain unchanged from 44. Some discussion arose as to whether the Conciliation Council could aJter the order of the Court on the hours issue. The Conciliation Commissioner, Mr. M. J. Reardon, satisfied himself, however, that the bargain could be legally entered into between the parties. The suggestion that the bargain should be arranged came from the employers, who agreed to advance j their original wage proposals in certain categories if the workers would give back the four hours taken by the Court from the employers during the winter months. The employees agreed with the plan only after long iiscussion and with reluctance. Complete agreement was reached on all Jauses in the dispute.