FIVE POUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 283, 29 November 1937, Page 3

FIVE POUNDS.

CARETAKERS' WAGES.

FORTY-HOUR WEEK ASKED. ARBITRATION COURT CLAIM. Five pounds a week for all city cleaners, caretakers, liftmen, watchmen and lift controllers were sought by the Auckland union embracing these workers when application for an award was made to the second Court of Arbitration this morning. A 40-hour week . was asked for liftmen, to bring them into line with caretakers, cleaners and liftmen-cleaners.

Mr. Justice Hunter presided and associated with him were Mr. W. K. Anderson, employers' representative, and Mr. A. W. C'roskery, employees' representative. Mr. H. J. Bishop appeared for the employers and Mr. J. Purtell for the workers.

Under the present system the hours of all workers could be spread over any period in the 24 hours, explained Mr. Piirtell in outlining 1 the workers' case. The union claimed that the hours should he between 7..W a.m. and .").30 p.m. from Monday to Friday inclusive. A special request was made that ah hours in the award should lie stipulated as to the time of work.

The union asked for 40 hours a week for liftmen to brinjr them into line with caretakers, cleaners an<l liftmenclcaiierri. Watchmen, it was claimed, should have a five-day week or a fivenijrht week, and that .">0 hours a week for night duty was a fair thing.

Caretakers and cleaners in residential flats were in the amended rules of the union. Five pounds a week was also asked for these workers. (Proceeding.)