CLOTHING TRADE.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 May 1919, Page 5

CLOTHING TRADE.

INCREASE IN WAGES

WILL MEAN INCREASE IN PRICES.

The new Dominion award that has been entered into in this respect of the clothing trade, which cO:>;es into operation on May 12, was referred to several merchants connected with the wholesale clothing trade recently, and the opinion was expressed that it would mean an increase in the price of clothing generally, particularly mens' and women's clothing. The new award provides that the hours of Avork shall be 44 instead of 45 a week Jour-

ney-women's wages are increased to £1 15/ per week, and journeymen's wages to £3 13/4 and £3 17/ per week, Up to the present the women affected by the award were getting 27/6 per week plus a 10 per cent, bonus, which roughly worked out at 30/ per week. There is therefore an increase of about 5/ per week. The effect of the award will be to put the wholesale tailoring trade on practially the same basis as the furniture and other trades and brings it into line with the general increase in all trades. The reduction in hours is not regarded as a matter of vital importance providing the workers keep up a uniform regularity in attendance so that the output from the workroom is not impaired. The whole working of the factory i s so dependent on a. regular attendance of the individaul that the unexpected absence of one makes a material difference, and may mean that perhaps .half-a-dozen girls who were being supplied-by the absent one and working short during her absence. Thus the question of regular attendance becomes almost of more importance than an hour or so less in the total hours per week.

A point that should be considered it was mentioned, was the fact that there was a danger of setting up such a high standard here that it would not be possible to compete against imported goods, from countries where labour was cheaper. What was essential was not that the wages should be kept down here, but there should be a levelling up process in ot-Uer countries

Meantime there is no doubt that an increase in the .price of clothing will take place at an early date, when the new award comes into force, though, the extent of the increase cannot yet be; stated.