FURNITURE TRADE AWARD

Press, Issue 29236, 21 June 1960, Page 3

FURNITURE TRADE AWARD

24 Per Cent. Increase Incorporated

Furniture workers throughout New Zealand, except in the Northern Industrial District, have been granted a wage increase by incorporation of the Arbitration Court’s 24 per cent, general wage order. The new award provides for a minimum wage of 6s 8d an hour for workers in the first month of employment, and after the completion of one month’s work with the same employer a minimum wage of £l3 6s Bd, an increase of 6s 3d. Wire mattress makers in all branches of the trade will receive an increase of 4s Id a week to a minimum wage of £l2 10s. Spring workers, spring seat form makers, and spring mattress unit makers receive an increase of 9s Id to £l2 15s a week, and unskilled workers over the age of 21 receive an increase of 4s 4d a week to a minimum wage of £ll 7s 6d. Female workers and youths in all branches of the trade will receive increases to a minimum of 4s 4d a week. The minimum wage for females over 21 will be £8 Is a week. The new order gives provision for tool money. This is to be Id an hour for cabinet-makers, chair and frame-makers, pianoforte makers, organ builders, woodcarvers, and wood turners. For upholsterers the allowance is 7s 6d for each six months of employment. In each case the worker is to provide his own tools.

January 2 has been added to the list of paid award holidays. The award is operative from May 23, 1960, to May 11, 1962.