NEW MOVE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 3, 5 January 1937, Page 8

NEW MOVE.

WAGES RESTORATION. SECRETARY'S INTENTION. WILL OPPOSE LICENSES. Judging by complaints which are still being received by some trades union secretaries in Auckland, the 1931 rates of pay have not yet been restored to workers in accordance with the Finance Act, 193f1. A number of cases have been adjusted after investigation in recent months, but it is considered in trades union circles that some employers, more particularly in the country districts, are persisting in ignoring their obligations. •Secretaries concerned are determined to see that the toembers of their unions are paid what is due to them, and have urged in several instances that where employers are in default with the payment of wages that prosecutions be instituted. A new move developed this morning when the secretary of the Auckland Drivers' Union, Mr. C. Lindsay, announced his intention to oppose the licensing of transport services where it is known to him that operators have failed to restore the wages to the 1931 level, or are neglecting to observe award conditions of employment. "I have had quite a number of complaints recently that wages have not been restored to the 1931 standard in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Act, 1936, more particularly from the country districts," said Mr. Lindsay, "and now I propose to appear at each sitting of the Number 1 Transport Licensing Authority and object to licenses being granted to any operator .who is not complying with the Act and not observing the award. Operators have had since last July to meet the position and those who have not done so should not be allowed to continue as operators." It might be pointed out that the drivers' award relates to conditions in the transport industry in the northern industrial district, and the territory embraced comprises a large portion of the area over which the No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority, Mr. E. J. Phelan, has jurisdiction.