GROCERS' ASSISTANTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 150, 14 March 1918, Page 9

GROCERS' ASSISTANTS

NEW AWARD FILED.

I A new award, which will come into force on March 25, was filed bv thft Arbitration Court yesterday in tho Wellington' grocers' dispute. Apart from some minor details, the only questions submitted to , tho Court were as to wages and to'making special provisions for female workers. The Court granted a slight increase in the minimum wage, and niacle provision for a \var bonus, but refused the employers' request for placing female workers on a special footing. In a memorandum attached to the award/ the .'Court states that it has adopted the'rates recently agreed to iu Cliristeli'ircli between the employers and employees in this industry* when before the Conciliation Council, and has embodied them in the award. With regard to female workers, the evidence submitted on this question siifr ficient to satisfy the Court as to the necessity for making such special provisions as were .asked for. by tho employers. . ' ' ' Tho following clauses regulate the hours of work and wages :—Hours of work: Tim luiurs of work shall be those provided' by the Shops and Offices Act for the l .time being In force. Wiiges: The minimum rate of wases which shall bo paid to grocers' assistants shall bo as follow:—From 15 to 16 years, 10s. per week; 16 to 17 years, 155.; 17 to 18 years, £1 2s. 6d:,- 18 to 19 years, £1 l'Os.; 19 to 20 years, £2; 20 to 21 years, £2 7s. 6d.; 21 to 22 years, £2 12s. 6d.; over 22 years, £3. The minimum rate of warjes which shall be paid to drivers over 22 vears'and upwards shall be £2 17s. Cd. Drivers under the age of 22 years shall bo paid according to the scale for ■ < ssistants under 22 year 3. No youth under tho age of 18 shall be employed in driving within five miles of the Chief Post Office. An assistant may act as a driver'or a driver as an assistant. Provision is made for tho payment of a war bonus of 10 per cent, on the above rates. The award will rerr.ain in operation until March 25, 1920.