Bicycle Factory Seeks Exemption From Award

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30156, 13 June 1963, Page 15

Bicycle Factory Seeks Exemption From Award

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. June 12. Morrison Industries. Ltd. of Hastings, which started making bicycles a month ago. asked the Arbitration Court today to exempt it from the cycle workers' award The application was opposed by the union, represented by Mr R. Darbyshdre. and by the Cycle Traders’ Industrial Union of Employers, represented by Mr R E Taylor Mr Darbyshire claimed the firm was trying to get cheep female labour. Mr P J. Luxford said the company was not making cycles when the award was signed. The company was engaged in a new industry and was employing women. There was no provision for their employment in the cycle workers’ award and to carry [out the work under the terms

of the award would be unreasonable.

Mr Darbyshire amd the company wanted cheap labour. “There J* no precedent at other manufacturers

of cycles employing women as cheap labour in New Zealand under any other award. They could claim it to be unfair competition.” he said, “and in New Zeeland we have reached a stage where the Public Service is receiving equal pay and opportunity”

Mr Taylor said the objection of the cycle traders was to the assembly of certain components made oversees and imported. The manufacture of parts was outside the award. but if the company wanted to assemble parts it should be bound by the award

The Court reserved its decision