PAY OF ORCHARD WORKERS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22336, 25 February 1938, Page 14

PAY OF ORCHARD WORKERS

INCREASE PROVIDED IN NEW REGULATIONS A SIX-DAY WEEK ORDERED (PEESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, February 24. Slightly higher rates of pay for agricultural workers in orchards, to operate from February 14, are prescribed in the Agricultural Workers’ Extension Order, issued with to-night’s Gazette. The new regulations, which, for the first time, fix the hours of work for certain seasons, will remain in force until further notice. Provision is made for a six-day week and the maximum, hours of work a fortnight will be 80 from the third week in May until August 31, 88 for September. October, and November, and 96 for December until the end of the second week in May. Sunday work is permitted in certain circumstances. Overtime will be paid at the rate of time-and-a-half, except for frost fighting, when ordinary rates will be paid. Provision is also made for statutory holidays. The minimum weekly rates of wages for managers, 21 years and over, are £4 2s. A sum of 17s 6d is to be deducted if board and lodging are provided. For other adult male workers the figures are £3 18s and 17s 6d respectively. The rates for youths permanently employed, together with the amount deductable if board and lodging are provided, are; Fifteen to 16 years 20s, 7s 6d; 16 to 17. 255, 7s 6d; 17 to 18. 30s, 10s; 18 to 19, 40s, 10s; 19 to 20, 455, 10s; 20 to 21, 52s 6d, 10s; over 21, the adult male rate, less 17s 6d if board and lodging are provided. The rates for casual workers, who are defined as workers employed on an hourly or daily basis, are; Adult males Is 9d an hour; adult females Is sd; youths, girls up to 18, Is; 18 and over. Is 3d.