BAKERS' WORK

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 8, 9 July 1912, Page 8

BAKERS' WORK

ALLEGED BREACHES OF AWARD. With the object of enforcing penalties for alleged breaches of the Wellington operative bakers' award referring to pastry cooks, Mr. Denis Carmody, Inspector of Awards, proceeded against James Godber and Co., Ltd., in the Magistrate's Court to-day. It was alleged against defendants that on various Sundays in March, April, and May they employed a man for about one hour as a pastry cook, and failed to pay him overtime. The facte were admitted, but it was contended by the defence, which was conducted by Mr. T. S. Weston, that the breaches were of such a trivial nature that the informations should be dismissed. The Sunday work was absolutely necessary, but only one man was employed each week. By an airangement the man so employed was allowed time off during the week, and Mr. Weston remarked that the men were very well satisfied; in fact, they were better off than when the conditions of the award were adhered to. Immediately, after Mr. Godber had been informed that he was committing a breach he discontinued the practice. Evidence was given by Andrew Collins, secretary of the Bakers' Union, that Godber's men had not complained, tho complaint emanating from another employei. ( Evidence called by Mr. Weston disclosed the fact that Mr. Godber's men were all paid in excess of the award rate of wages. In addressing the Magistrate, Mr. Weston said that all employers were anxious to" work' under the award and under the Arbitration Court, and where a course of conduct had beeu pursued "without complaint the Inspector of Awards should not be over zealous in bringing tho matter into Court. Decision was reserved.