CIVIL AVIATION AIR CREWS

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26856, 8 October 1952, Page 10

CIVIL AVIATION AIR CREWS

AWARD CLAIMS BEFORE COURT (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 7. An air crew industrial dispute on conditions of work came before the Arbitration Court for the first time when the New Zealand Radio Officers’ Union asked-the Court to define wages and conditions for 11 employees of Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., and three of the National Airways Corporation. Mr J. H. Collins, representing the union, said that civil aviation air crews were. the only section of the transport industry that did not observe the 40-hour week»principle. He asked the Court to grant the claim that a week’s work should consist of 40 hours, worked oil not more than five days of the week, with a limit of eight hours a day at ordinary rates. He told the Court that the employers’ attitude was that they did not object, to observing these hours where practicable, but they did not want them made binding by the award. It appeared to be their policy, however, to establish a 40-hour flying week and to expect to receive all other necessary duty time without giving credit, said Mr Collins. He also claimed a £2OO a year wage increase for all grades, taking the fifth year senior radio officer to £lOOO a year. Other claims which were not agreed upon in conciliation include those relating holidays and overtime payments. Opposing the officers’ claim for a 40-hour five-day week, Mr W. J. Mount joy, appearing on behalf of Tasman Airways and the National Airways Corporation, said the employers should be entitled to require radio operators for flying or other duties at any time, day or night, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., without paying overtime rates. Mr Mountjoy also objected to the union’s request for the Government

to make the institution of a superanuation scheme mandatory on the employers. He said this was not a matter for the Court.