SUNDAY PAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 34, 10 February 1943, Page 4

SUNDAY PAY

AT DOUBLE RATES MILK ROUNDSMEN'S CLAIM

" "The milk roundsmen now find themselves in the anomalous position that -while they are receiving for Sunday work ordinary rates only, the great majority of their fellow workers, in other industries receive double rates." This statement was made in the Arbitration Court to-day by Mr. J. Purtell, in supporting a claim by tne Auckland Milk Roundsmen's Union; for double rates of pay for Sunday work. Mr. Justice Tyndall presided. "It is recognised," said Mr. Purtell, "that such a variation in the minimum rates of remuneration cannot be made unless it constitutes an adjustment of an anomaly' within the meaning of that phrase as used in clause 38 of the Economic Stabilisation Emergency Regulations, 1942, and that it will not be made unless it is such an adjustment as the Court, in the exercise of its discretion, and having regard to the general purpose of the. regulations, thinks proper. Differ Prom Other Awards Mr. Purtell went on to discuss the meaning of the term "anomaly, in regard to these regulations.* Is it something of a minor nature created within the limits of a particular award? Or does the provision in the regulation include in its purviewmore important matters, such as tne provision of double rates of pay for Sunday work for a. whole class cu workers, that are needed to bring, the remuneration in one industry into accord with rates for similar work in industry generally? Mr. Purtell submitted that the failure to provide double rates for Sunday work was an anomaly ui tne broad sense, since it was a deviation from a rule which had become general under the Factories Act and m new awards.

It was further submitted that the anomaly was one that ought_ to be adjusted by the Court. Stabilisation had to be created on a general level, and to perpetuate injustices would be to create a new and greater injustice. , , ..._ "The milk roundsmen's position has been made worse in recent months," said Mr. Purtell. Frontgate delivery, while easing the demand for workers, has speeded up the work of the men, who have to keep themselves at severer pressure. Further, we compute that £500 a week has been saved in wages since front-gate delivery was instituted. We consider we are entitled to be treated like other workers."