No salary rush yet

Press, 31 August 1977, Page 5

No salary rush yet

Wellington reporter Employers have not_rushed

to increase the incomes of ; salaried staff now that the ] freeze on wages and salaries 1 has been lifted by the Government. Only about a dozen em- ' ployers have acted since the freeze was lifted on August 15. Most seem to be waiting to see what degree of increase is sought by major trade unions for their members before acting to increase the salaries of executive staff. Any employer increasing the remuneration of any employee must send the registrar of the Industrial Commission in Wellington a written document showing the old rate, the new rate, and the date from which the new rate will be effective. The employers may not backdate the new rate beyond August 15 without the approval of the commission. Provided the employer com-

plies with these conditions, he may increase salaries by any degree he chooses, and the registrar has no power to influence or alter the amount. The date upon which the increase may be paid (with any backdated sum) will be the date on the registrar’s written receipt acknowledging the advice from the employer. No delays have been experienced by any employer awaiting this receipt so far. However, as only about a dozen employers have advised of salary increases, there is no pressure on the receipt system. No general pattern of increases is apparant to the office of the Industrial Commission yet. The lifting of the freeze is so recent that the reaction of employers has not been apparent to the commission.