INCREASE OF WAGES IN CONCILIATION

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26119, 23 May 1950, Page 3

INCREASE OF WAGES IN CONCILIATION

ARBITRATION COURT ASKS FOR JUSTIFICATION (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 22. “Users of air services have been warned that they are being subsidised and that they will have to pay more —this although Tasman Empire Airways showed a profit from November, 1941, to November, 1949, of £291.000, of which £60.000 has gone in dividends,” said Mr J. H. Collins, on behalf of the New Zealand Radio Officers’ Union in the Arbitration Court to-day. The union had been requested to justify in accord with the Economic Stabilisation Regulations the increases in wages of New Zealand aircraft radio operators agreed to in conciliation. “Since November 30, 1949, every action of the present Government has indicated that the policy of stabilisation is finished,” said Mr Collins, who cited increases in various commodities and the lifting of price control on various lines and fees. Seeking to offer similar justification under the Stabilisation Regulations of an agreement reached in conciliation. Mr W. A. Fox appeared on behalf of stewards and stewardesses employed by Tasman Empire Airways and the National Airways Corporation. Mr W. J. Mountjoy appeared for the employers in each case. He said that the employers sought no alteration to the terms and conditions agreed on with the unions concerned, but left the responsibility of proving justification, if such were necessary, to those unions. Mr Justice Tyndall announced that the Court would reserve its decision.