WAGE REDUCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1932, Page 5

WAGE REDUCTION

URGED IN N.S.W. BY INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, Aug. 26. An Industrial Commission, who were appointed) by the Now South Wades Government after the recent elections, consisting of three -Judges, with Mr Justice Browne'as chairman, have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into the cost of living, with a view to detennining a new basic Wage for male and female employees. Their decision was announced to-day, when they declared a male .basic wage of £3 10s per week and a female wage oif 38s per week! This decision represents a drop of 12s 3d per week in the case of male workers, and Os 6d in the case of female workers.

The Commission expressed it as its opinion that the proper amount that should be allowable for shelter or retal was 18s per week, for clothing 10s 8d per week; for miscellaneous expenses 17s 4d per week; and for food and groceries 24s per week. The rate of male wages iixed, is bnsed on the needs of a man, wife and one child. It is estimated that the New South Wales Government will save £165,000 a year for every shilling of which the basic wage is to be reduced 1 , On. the other hand, the Government will lose a substantial sum annually on the unemployment relief tax, by reason of the lowering of the wages.

‘U The Government-hopes that this falling off in the unemployment relief tax •will j be counterbalanced by an increase in. employment '■..‘Trade circles calculate that the drop decided ou in the basic wage will reduce the New South Wales Stats wage's bill by eight and: three-quarter million pounds a year The Union of Employees nr© surprised at. the heavy reduction of 12s 6d per week in the case of the males’ wages and they declare that it will be most difficult for families to pay their way. It will also make trade worse by further curtailing the spending power of the workers by at least seven, send a half million pounds a year.