WAGE INCREASE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 April 1942, Page 3

WAGE INCREASE

THE OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION. I CONTESTED BY EMPLOYERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The increase of 5 per cent in wages under the general order made by the Arbitration Court applies to the amount actually received by a worker, and not merely to the minimum rate provided for in the award, according to the official interpretation by the Department of Labour of the Court’s order. The Crown Law Office is stated to have given this opinion, and it is understood that it is supported by the Solicitor-General. The ruling is contrary to that given by the New Zealand Employers’ Federation to its members. The Labour Department holds tha* the increased payment—a maximum amount of 5s a week in the case of adult male workers, 2s 6d in that of adult females and Is 6d in that of juniors—is to be made over and above any sum in excess of the existing award rates now received by these workers. The Employers’ Federation holds that where the wages now paid exceed the prescribed award rate, plus the increases made by the Arbitration Court’s general orders of August 9. 1940, and March 21, 1942, no further payment is due. In view of the conflict of opinion on the matter, the Employers’ Federation has agreed with the Department to take a friendly test case before the Arbitration Court in Auckland', probably next week.