CLOTHING TRADE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 186, 3 May 1940, Page 7

CLOTHING TRADE

Workers’ Claims For Wage Increases DISPUTE BEFORE COURT The import restriction policy of the Government ami the extra business received by manufacturers in the prevision of uniforms for the armed forces were reasons given by tin' union's advocate. Mr. J. Roberts, in tire Court of Arbitration. Wellington, yesterday for an increase in the wages of clothing trade employees, shirt, white tiifd silk workers, ami dressmakers and milliners. An application was before the Court from the New Zealand Clothing Trades Employees’ Industrial Association of Workers for new awards for these three classes of workers. Mr. D. I. Macdonald appeared for the employers. The principal matters in dispute were wages, holidays, and a morning and afternoon break. The import restriction policy of the Government had placed the industry in an extremely strong position, said

Mr. Roberts. Figures from the Monthly Abstract for January ami February, 1940, demonstrated that competition from overseas was negligible. In respect to the huge volume of military clothing being made in New Zealand, he quoted a statement by the Minister of Supply, Mr. Sullivan, which said that the production capacity of the Dominion was now lined up for what was probably the biggest production schedule ever attempted in New Zealand.

Mr. Macdonald emphasized that in all industries, and particularly in manufacturing industries.- stability in conditions of einploymenl as a major factor in production costs was absolutely essential if those industries were to progress or even maintain their position in the economic sphere of New Zealand production. lie submitted Unit Mr. Roberts had not shown, and could not show, any changed conditions since June, 1938, even to justify the limo which had been taken in Conciliation Council and which would be taken by the Court in the case of the present disputes. Abnormal circumstances "arising from the international situation should not be a reason to disturb established conditions and relative wage rales in tiny industry. That employers were busy with military orders should not inti nonce the Court in changing wage standards. Atty change would also

have an effect on oilier industries. Decision was reserved and the advocates are to submit their replies in writing.