AWARD WAGES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1939, Page 6

AWARD WAGES

IN STRUGGLING INDUSTRY POLICY OF ARBITRATION COURT. RELIEF ONLY FOR LIMITED TIME. (By Telegraph—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 Gilmour, in a memorandum accompanying the new Woolpack and Textile Workers’ Award. It 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 he considered had been afforded to the company and 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.” he added, “notwithstanding that the management of the company has been in capable hands, the evidence showed that its continued operations had resulted in further substantial losses, and it was estimated that the loss for the current year would be approximately £5,000. It is 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, General Manager, loyal support had been given by the employees.” The Magistrate said 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 by 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 had fixed wages at 2s 3d an hour, which would yield £4 Ills a week of 40 hours. The ordinary weekly hours were fixed at 44, thus giving the employer the right to work employees four hours in excess of 40 in each week at ordinary rates. The rates for females rise from 16s a week for the first six months to £2 10s a week. The company covered is New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles Ltd.