SHOP ASSISTANTS’ AWARD

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22437, 25 June 1938, Page 16

SHOP ASSISTANTS’ AWARD

MAGISTRATE’S RULING INCLUSION OP DEPARTMENTAL HEADS AND BUYERS (PBEaS ASSOCIATIOIf tbmobam.) INVERCARGILL, June 24. A decision on an Important Industrial point was given by Mr R, C. Abernethy, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. He had to decide whether heads of departments or buyers are shop assistants within the meaning of the interpretation of a clause of the Shop Assistants’ Award. He ruled that they were shop assistants. Consequently, the compulsory provisions of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act apply, and they will have to become members of the union. „ The case was one in which the Otago and Southland Shop Assistants’ Union proceeded against three men for the recovery of contributions due to the union. The defendants were ordered to pay the fees due, and each was ordered, to pay costs, amounting to £2 17s, , , . . ■ The Magistrate upheld the view of Mr J. C. Mowat, of Dunedin, who represented the union, that the three defendants and all departmental managers and manageresses were shop assistants within the definition of the award, and were obliged to join the union under the 1936 Amendment Act. Mr Mowat \ sald that departmental managers were included as seniors In i the current award. ..... .