CLOTHING TRADES

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25741, 1 March 1949, Page 8

CLOTHING TRADES

♦ ' INCREASES IN WAGES AUTHORISED (P.A.) WELLINGTON. February 28. A Conciliation Council settlement embodying wage increases under the New Zealand Clothing Trades Employees’ Award and the N&w Zealand Dressmakers’ and Milliners’ Award has been ratified by the Court of Arbitration. The minimum wage for journeywomen has been increased from £4 6s a week to £4 Ils. A female worker over 21 entering the trade is to receive £3 15s 6d a week for the first six months, £4 a week for the second six months, £4 5s a week for the third six months, and thereafter at journey women’s rates. The minimum wage for second class chart-cutters is increased by 7s 4d to £7 13s 4d, and for stock cutters, trimmers, pressers, examiners, and male machinists by 6s 6d to £7 7s 6d a week. For female apprentices and improvers the increase is 2s fid a week, and for youths the increases vary from 3s to 7s. Male casual workers are to receive not less than 4s an hour, an increase of 2Jd. In its application to wage rates the award is retrospective to February 8. The other clauses are effective as from to-day. The award will continue in operation for one year. The Court has also issued the New Zealand Shirt (White and Silk) Workers’ Award and the New Zealand (except the Northern Industrial District) Dressmakers’ and Milliners Award, providing for corresponding increases in wage rates.