WAGE INCREASES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 8

WAGE INCREASES

DESIRE FOR CHECK EMPLOYERS' ATTITUDE (By Telegraph—Pros* Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Submissions on the question of award wages were made in the Court of Arbitration in Wellington to-day by Mr H. J. Bishop, advocate for the employers in the Dominion enginedrivers’ dispute, in opposing claims for wage increases by workers. Mr Bishop contended that the time for such increases had passed and it was essential to put a stop to further increases in costs. The employers offered the rates fixed in the northern district'award of January 5, 1038, and asked the Court to adhere strictly to rates. “New Zealand’s overseas funds are drastically depleted and the Government has found it necessary to take drastic measures to rehabilitate the country’s finances,” said Mr Bishop. “In these circumstances I ask the Court to give a lead and adhere strictly to the rates fixed in the northern award. Only thus will industrial harmony and stability be attained. Departure from the Court’s latest opinion at present would undoubtedly lead to further claims by unions and further congestion of business before the Court. Outlook Altered Referring to the reasons given by the Court for increases in standard wage rates in 1937, Mr Bishop said they were that the outlook for the future, at that time was bright. Events had happened since which the Court could not be expected to foresee and had altered the outlook. He submitted that if the Court fixed standard rates now they would be much lower than in 1937. Mr Bishop contended that a precedent had already been established in the recent, dispute affecting the freezing industry. Complete agreement had been

reached in conciliation proceedings, wages remaining the same as they were, in the previous award. This was clear recognition by the wmrkers that there was no justification for further wage increases. - -- - .