THE LUCKY FIRST

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 52, 30 August 1932, Page 11

THE LUCKY FIRST

TAILORESSES' PAY

CONCESSION BY EMPLOYERS

"It is tlic first occasion since -the amendments were made to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Atft that increases in . wages, accompanied by a decrease in hours, have been granted to the. workers," said Mr. J. Roberts, secretary of ths Tailoresses' Union, commenting on the concessions gained in connection with tho "Wellington tailoresses' dispute..Mr. Roberts was agent for the tailoresses.

"While the increases in wages of 9s in the case of coatmakers and 5s 6d in that of other classes of workers appear to lje spectacular, the- increases arc more apparent than real, due to the fact that the workers are already receiving more than the increases granted," said. Mr. Roberts in Christchurch. "I have no desire, however, to minimise tho concessions gained, for there is a real gain so far as pieceworkers are concerned. The decrease in hours is I also a substantial gain, while the piecework rate henceforth ■will bo higher than the rate of the present award, and I also higher than in any part of New i Zealand. Then aigain the increase is not subject to any deductions such as the general order of : the Arbitration Court reducing wages, or any deductions for machining or pressing." Regarding the tailors' dispute, on which he sat. as an assessor for the employees, Mr: Roberts saia that a decrease in the hours of work to 44 hours a week, and a modification of the team, system, had been agreed upon, but the council had failed to agree on wages. In view of the settlement arrived at in connection with the tailoresses 1 dispute, however, he was hopeful of a full settlement being arrived at on 6th September, when the council would sit again to 'consider the case.