POTTERS’ WAGES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 171, 15 April 1921, Page 7

POTTERS’ WAGES

. NO REDUCTION IN ENGLAND. The “Staffordshire Sentinel” of February 8, which came to ■ hand yesterday, had the following report as to wages and conditions in the potteries district o? England:— "We are officially informed that it has been agreed between the British Pottery Manufacturers’ Federation and the National Society of Pottery Workers, the National Union-of Enginemen and Stokers. and the Navvies and General Labourers’ Union that notices on either side should not be exchanged for any alteration of wages to take effect on and after March 25, 1921. March 25 is, of course, the potters’ annual settling day, and. in accordance with custom, notice of any alteration in wages has to he given six weeks prior to that date. Notices, if any, would therefore have been given by February 11. Negotiations have, however, been proceeding between representatives of the manufacturers and operatives, with the result stated above. Wages will, therefore, stand at their present level of 66 2-3 per cent, incorporated, plus 25 per gent, bonus, making the general advance (apart from departmental increases) 108 1-3 per cent, over the prewar standard. “It is believed—though we make the statement quite unofficially —that, thia wages settlement will have a favourable effect on the demand for wares. Thera is no doubt that the present lifeless character of home and other markets is partly duo to buyers -holding back in the belief that pottery selling prices are likely to fall. In fact, they probably counted on a reduction rn wages, as being one of the principal items in cost of production. It is now made clear to buyers that there is to be no reduction in wages, and as to other costs of production—the most important 'being cool—there is no easing at present, nor any immediate prospect. Buyers may, therefore, take it for granted that there will be no reduction in selling prices for a considerable time to come, and that there is no advantage to be gained in .delaying orders.”