"A BETTER BASIS"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 290, 7 December 1945, Page 7

"A BETTER BASIS"

MINIMUM WAGE BILL FEMALE WORKERS AFFECTED "The Government is to be congratulated on introducing the measure. It has been sadly wanting for a long time," said Mr. W. Ashton, secretary of the Auckland Trades Council, commenting on the Minimum Wage Bill this morning. Mr. Ashton said that the main effect of the bill would be felt by female workers, particularly those in trades where there was no provision for serving an apprenticeship. "There are a few adult ' male workers who are not receiving £5 5/ a week," he added, "but not a great many. There are also a few workers, mainly in new trades, who are still not covered by any awards, and the bill will be useful for these people also." Previously all negotiations for new awards had tended to be based upon the basic wage rates laid down -in 1937 of £3 16/ for males and IT 16/ for females, said Mr. Ashton. Apart from the cost of living bonus, these rates had not been reviewed since 1937 and certainly had not advanced with the cost of living. "Consequently," continued Mr. Ashton, "when we suggest, for instance, £3 3/ a week for female workers during award negotiations, employers representatives claim that this is an extrr lely large increase on the basic .ate laid down and argument is inclined to develop along those lines. "Under the bill, with basic wages increased so that they are more- in keeping with present day costs, we are given a better basis for negotiation," concluded Mr. Ashton.