NEW AWARD FOR BAKERS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25021, 1 November 1946, Page 9

NEW AWARD FOR BAKERS

PROVISION FOR SIX- < DAY WEEK (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 31. Provision for baking on six days a week is contained ‘in the national bakers’ and pastrycooks’ award, issued by the Arbitration Court. The Court, in a majority decision, upholds the employers' claim that it is not possible with the present facilities to bake enough bread for the people’s requirements within the limits of a five-day week and an eighthbur day. This decision recalls the dispute that arose Some months ago when the Baking Trades Employees’ Uhton refused to work on more than five days a week. A strike on the issue occurred in Auckland Since that time the industry generally has operated .oh a five-day week basis, with long hours on one day to prepare the week-end stipply The award is to operate from November 11. The Court, in its majority judgment from which Mr A L. Monteith, the employees' representative, totally dissents, said: “Strong evidence given by the employers showed that it is not possible with the present facilities at the disposal of the industry to bake nearly enough bread for. the requirements of the people within the limits of a five-day week (Monday to Friday) and an eight-hour day. having regard to the necessity for baking additional quantities to meet the weekend demand. One witness estimated that the weekly deficiency would amount to 20 per cent of total requirements.” Mr Monteith, in his dissenting opinion, said the decision of the majority ignored the fact that to-day a five-day week with a limit of eight hours a day was a normal weex o work. Of course longer hours were required, and where over eight hours in a day or 40 in a week were worked, overtime was payable. Overtime was worked in the industry and there was no. shotage

The president ot the Wellington Master Bakers Association (Mr H. E. Fairey) said that a six-day week would certainly be restored if the men would work it. but he did not think the new award would make any difference to their stand in the matter unless the Government did something about it.