AIDING INDUSTRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20110, 2 December 1939, Page 6

AIDING INDUSTRY

POLICY OF COURT LIMITED OPPORTUNITY AWARD OF MAGISTRATE WAGES AT 2/3 AN HOUR (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The policy of the Court of Arbitration when dealing with an award for a struggling industry was outlined by the industrial magistrate, Mr. J. Gilmour, in a memorandum accompanying the new woolpack and textile workers’ award. ‘‘lt is important to note," he says, •'that in dealing with a struggling industry the court's policy has been to allow it an opportunity only for a limited time of maintaining its existence. That opportunity, 1 consider, has been afforded to the company." He had come to the conclusion that wages nearly approximating the court's standard rates could not longer be withheld from the workers. The company had been given more than two years in which to consolidate its position. “Unfortunately, however, notwithstanding' that the management of the company has been in capable hands, the evidence shows that its continued operations have resulted in a further substantial loss, and it is estimated that the loss for the current year will be approximately £5000." Aid From Government It was proper to mention that since its formation the company had received much assistance and encouragement from the Government and, according to a statement by Mr. Vickerman, the general manager, loyal support had been given by the employees. The magistrate said that a weekly wage of £4 10s might now ,be regarded as the court’s standard for male adult factory workers working a 40-hour week. Male adult workers in this industry, although paid toy the hour, might properly be classed as weekly workers, as the evidence disclosed that little time was lost, the work being constant throughout the year. Bearing this in mind, he fixed the wages at 2s 3d an hour, which would yield £4 10s for a week of 40 hours. Ordinary weekly hours were fixed at 44, thus giving the employer the right to work employees four hours in excess of 40 each week at ordinary rates. The rates for females rise from : 16s in the first six months to £'2 10s. The company covered is the New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles Limited.