“Claim To Be Pressed”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29498, 27 April 1961, Page 16

“Claim To Be Pressed”

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. April 26. While the Arbitration Court had not granted the Electrical Workers' Union’s claims for full equal pay. it had, nevertheless, narrowed the existing margins between male and female rates, the secretary of the union (Mr A. J. Neary) said today. Commenting on the Court’s decision. Mr Neary said the employers had asked the Court to alter certain definitions which would have had the effect of reducing the wages of females who now received the male rate.

"I am pleased the Court has refused the employers’ claim and retained the male rate for females who now receive it,” he said. “I trust other unions and the Federation of Labour will press the principle ot equal pay before the Arbitration Court, "It is the intention of the Electrical Workers’ Union to continue to press this issue,” said Mr Neary.

“The State has now recognised the principle of equal pay, and is. in fact, putting it into effect. It is. therefore, unjust that other female employees working outside of State services should still be required to continue working under a system of wage discrimination.”