NEW AWARDS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24027, 16 August 1943, Page 6

NEW AWARDS

WOMEN WORKERS BENEFIT MEN’S WAGES STABILISED Women workers- only will benefit from the new awards issued by the Arbitration Court last week for the glove and fur-making industries. The close relationship between workers in these industries and in the clothing industry is noted in memoranda attached to the awards. To bring women fur and glove-workers up to the same rates as women apprentices, improvers, and journeywomen in the clothing industry, the Court approved the following scale:— Apprentices.—First six months, 18s; second six months, £1 2s; third six months, £1 6s; fourth six months, £1 10s. Improvers.—Fifth six months. £1 15s; sixth six months, £2: fourth year £2 6s 6d; thereafter journeywomen’s rates, the minimum being £2 15s. Any worker of the age of 21 years or upwards shall be paid not less than the basic wage for the time being prevailing. In neither award are rates varied for male workers or male apprentices. The Court increased the rates for women workers to correct the anomaly which existed while rates varied between the fur and glove industries and the clothing industry. In support of its decision refusing other increases, the Court stated: “We cannot recognise the existence of any similar grounds for varying the wage rates of male workers, and consequently we are prohibited by the Economic Stabilisation Emergency Regulations from incorporating in the award rates other than those fixed by the present award.” In Conciliation Council, it had been agreed to increase the rates for first and second-class glove cutters. The Court refused these increases on the grounds that they were prohibited by the Stabilisation Regulations. Both awards come into force on August 23, and continue for 12 months. The glove workers’ award covers the Taranaki. Wellington, and Canterbury industrial districts. The fur workers’ award covers the Northern, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago and Southland districts.