PLUMBING TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 91, 14 October 1932, Page 10

PLUMBING TRADE

APPRENTICES* WAGES

CONTRACTS VARIED

ONE WEEK OFF IN FOUR

A reduction of 25 per -cent, in the present Tates of pay, and a system of rationing work so that apprentices will work three weeks out o£ every four and will make up, and be paid for, lost time at the end of each apprenticeship year before starting on the next, was contained in an order made by Mr. T. B. McNeil, S.M., to-day.in connection with twenty-eight 'applications by sixteen master plumbers for variation iff their existing apprenticeship contracts. "The statements and the balancesheets of the employers concerned in' every case show that at the present time their businesses *are being carried' on at a loss on'account of there not being sufficient .work available,"-said the Magistrate, in reviewing the position of the trade. "In every case (except one) the employer has not had for some time past, and at the present time, sufficient productive work ta> enable him. to profitably employ his apprentice. ... I am satisfied that owing to the state of the'trade the circumstances of all of the applicants are such that relief should be granted to them. ENTITLED TO RELIEF. "With regard to the request that the wage of the .apprentice in each casebs reduced, I am of the opinion that the request is reasonable, and that for a period the reduction' in each casa should be 25 per cent, of the amount fixed by contract. ■ ' "I am also. satisfied that each employer is entitled to some additional relief in his present circumstances. I think the best method of attaining this is that the master shall employ (and pay) the apprentice for certain for three weeks in every four, and that the apprentice shall serve the time lost by such variation at the end of tha year in. which he loses such deducted working weeks, and be paid for such, extended working year at th 9 late for, that year as now varied. The employeris also in addition in each case to em-j ploy his apprentice (and more than one proportionately), if, and when, he has available work, which the apprentice would normally be :given to do, in any remaining weekly period or any:" part thereof, when work is available.' In the latter case the work done by the apprentice shall also count in comput-' ing the time he. has Served in any. year." - • ■ *' LOST TIME TO BE MADE TJP. : "The Tesult will be that in each case the apprentice should,work and be paid for at _ least three-fourths of his time, and will make up and be paid for his lost time at the end of each apprenticeship year before starting on the next. I think this method is preferable to that asked for by the employers, as it .will ensure that the apprentice will,I hope, in each three of every four weeks be continuing to learn his trade t and also be sure of receiving a regular although reduced remuneration." An order was made that each con« tract should be varied for.the whole term it has to mn. The order is to become operative and remain in force uhtil 30th April, 1933, or until such data thereafter as it is reviewed by a Magistrate. After 30th April, 1933, any, party to any of the contracts now. considered might apply to a Magistrate on the present proceedings. ASSISTANCE FROM COMMITTEES.

"I should • add/ - concluded - Mr. McNeil, "that these applications have aJI been considered by'the 'Wellington, Plumbers' and Gasfitters' Apprenticeship Committee, which devoted much; time and trouble to hearing the views of the parties concerned. Unfortunately, there was such a divergence, of opinion among the six members that. the committee could not arrive- at unanimity. It was, however, recommended by three to two that a system of rationing be recommended on the basis of one week off in every four weeks. I wish to take this opportunity of saying that in considering similar applications to the present I have had the benefit of the appropriate apprenticeship' committee 's opinion, and have been able, almost; without exception, to adopt their recommendations.