ORCHARD WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 129, 25 February 1938, Page 13

ORCHARD WORKERS

Slightly Higher Rates Of Pay REGULATIONS ISSUED Varying Hours Fixed For Different Seasons Slightly higher rates of pay for agricultural workers in orchards, to operate from February 14, are prescribed in the Agricultural Workers Extension Order issued with lust night’s “New Zealand Gazette.” The new regulations, which for the flrsb time fix the hours of work for certain seasons, will remain in force until further notice.

Provision is made for a six-day week and the maximum hours of work per fortnight will be 80 from the third week in May until August 31; 88 for September, October, November; and 90 from December until the end of the second week in May. Sunday work is permitted under certain circumstances. Overtime is to be paid at the rate of time and a-half except for frost-lighting, when the ordinary rates are to be paid. Provision is also made for the statutory holidays. Wage Kates Prescribed. The minimum weekly rates of wages for managers, 21 years of age and over, are £4/2/-, the sum of 17/6 to be deducted if board and lodging is provided. For other adult male workers, the figures are: £3/18/- and 17/0 resnective-

iy. The rates of youths permanently employed, together with the amount deductible If board and lodging iij provided, are:— Over 15 to 16 years: 20/-, 7/6. Sixteen to 17, 25/-, 7/6. Seventeen to 18, 30/-, 10/-. Eighteen to 19, 40/-, 10/-. Nineteen to 20, 45/-, 10/-. .Twenty to 21, 52/6, 10/-. Over 21, adult male rate, less 17/6 if board and lodging is provided. The rates for casual workers, vho are defined as workers employed on an hourly or daily basis, are: Adult males, 1/9 per hour. Adult females, 1/5. Youths and girls, up to 18, 1/-; 18 and over, 1/3. The order is issued after submission by the Minister of Labour, Hon. H. T. Armstrong, to the organisations of workers and employers affected.