WORK AND LABOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1916, Page 3

WORK AND LABOR.

INTERPRETATION OF AX AWARD. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, September 2<5. An interpretation of an,award, made on August -<i, concerning the wages and conditions of Jabor for Wellington bacon factory employees lias been made by Mr. Justice Stringer, on the application of the Inspector of Awards, Wellington. The interpretation was in regard to clause 2. which rends: "The minimum for workers shall be as follows: Slaughtermen, cutters up and rollas, Is 4d per hour; men while working in freezing chambers Is 3d per hour, tinsmiths Is .'ld per hour, all other workers Is 2d per hour.*' The question to be decided was: l)ni>« this oliUHc apply to female workers employed in this industry? .Mr. Justice -Stringer, m giving his decision, states that no special provisions having been made with regard to female workers, they clearly come within the general provisions of the award prescribing the rates of wages of workers employed in the industry, and if female? are employed they must, therefore, be paid according to such rates. If, by reason of the instalment of new, machinery, a proper field of labor for female workers has been opened up, the proper course to adopt would be to apply for a supplementary award making special provisions for such worker.:. The interpretation will lead to a claim for the difference in wage?, paid to wonient workers and that due under the award,