INTERPRETATION OF AN AWARD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3565, 27 September 1916, Page 6

INTERPRETATION OF AN AWARD.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 26

,'\ n interpretation of tho .ward made on August 26, .1915, governing the v.H.^oa arid conditions of labour for Woii.'ngto:.' bacon factory employees, has boon inaao by Mr Justice-Stringer on tho application of thy Inspector of Awards, Yv'eiiiny.to'.i. The interpretation was h regard to Clause 2, which reads:—"Tho minimum wages for workers shall bo as follows: Slaughtermen, cutters-wp, and rollers, Is 4d per hoe.r: mon while working in freezing chambers Ir. 3d por hour, tinsmiths Is 3d pea- hour, all other workers Is 2d per hour.'' Tho question to bo decided was: Does this clause apply to female workers employed in this industry? Mr Justice Strinicr, in giving his. division, states —''No "special provi sion having bcon made with regard to for.!ale workers, they clearly conio within tho general provisions of tho award prowribinsr (ho rates of wages" of worker?; employed in tho industry, and if females aro employed they must thovofo-re ba paid according to such ratios. Tf hy reason of tho instalment of now machinery a proper field of labour, for female workeras has been oW:iod op tho proper course to adopt would be'to apply for a supplementary asvn.nl, making special provisions for such, workers." „,■,, Tho intomretatioTi will load to a claim for a difference in the wages nsv.tl to women workers, and that duw under the award