STRIKE OVER.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20231, 28 June 1937, Page 8

STRIKE OVER.

PETROL WAGGON DRIVERS. MEN RESUME WORK TO-DAY. GREAT RELIEF TO INDUSTRY. (Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Monday. Following an announcement on Saturday evening that a settlement had been reached In the petrol wagon drivers’ dispute, work was resumed this morning and a feeling of relief spread throughout the community. The announcement came on Saturday evening after lengthy negotiations between the parties and the conciliation commissioner, Mr H. E. Price.

The spokesmen for the drivers stated at the conclusion of the conference that they had no announcement to make, the matter having been left entirely in the hands of the executive of the Auckland Drivers’ Union. LONG NEGOTIATIONS. THE POINTS OF DISPUTE. (Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Monday. With the Conciliation Commissioner, Mr R. E. Price, presiding, representatives of the men and the employers met on Saturday morning. The employers did not favour the adoption of what they regarded as "unconstitutional means” to effect a settlement, but it is believed that a proposition was advanced, the terms of which were not disclosed. A long discussion followed. It was explained on Saturday that the men’s contention was that* they should return 10 work on the 40-hour week basis subject to any adjustments being made at a later date by the Arbitration Court if it thought fit. It was contended that as the oil depots were deemed factories by Act of Parliament drivers employed at these establishments came within the scope of the 40-hour week. It Is understood that another point In dispute concerned limited meal nours while drivers were on the road. An employer explained that the men, prevented by the dangerous goods regulations from leaving their waggons unattended for any space of time, sought payment for these periods. UNION’S ATTITUDE. DEMANDS ON EMPLOYERS. GOVERNMENT NOT CRITICISED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Monday. The petrol wagon drivers who agreed to a settlement of the strike on Saturday evening returned to work today. Service stations and other users of petrol were eagerly seeking fresh supplies. A statement issued on behalf of the men by the secretary of the Auckland Drivers’ Union, Mr. L. G. Matthews, stresses the fact that the men expect to recieve not less than a 40-hour week and payment for meal time where they are compelled to remain in their vehicles on the road. Mr. Matthews said the men did not desire at any time to cripple industry. “We wish to state emphatically,” he said, "that our action was a definite protest against the oil companies*, whose head offices are in Wellington, and not against the Labour Government in whom we place the fullest confidence. We are asking only for what is provided in our award.” TEST CASE PENDING. ACTION AGAINST COMPANY. OVERTIME AND LUNCH PAY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. Two charges will be brought against the Vacuum uil Company in the Arbitration Court at Christchurch on Saturday by the inspector of awards in a test case to bring the petrol waggon drivers’ dispute before the court. The company will be charged with failing to pay the drivers overtime for hours worked in excess of forty a week and with failing to pay them for their half-hour lunch interval when under the Explosives Act they cannot leave their waggons.