FRUIT INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1937, Page 12

FRUIT INDUSTRY

WAGES AGREEMENT

GUARANTEED PRICES

GOVERNMENT PLAN

An industrial agreement covering the workers in the fruit industry was completed this week after a series of conferences between the Minister of Labour (the Hon; H. T. Armstrong), representatives of the fruit-growers, and representatives of the New Zealand Workers' Union. The wages agreed upon are an advance on those paid previously and the Government has promised to help the growers if the prices for their produce fall below a level which will give them a reasonable return.

The Minister of Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) stated today that the export guarantee, which is contingent on the prices realised overseas, would be continued, and a subsidy would be paid on locally-consumed fruit in the event of the price falling below an economic level. An amount of £40,000 had been set aside to meet possible contingencies on internal prices.

"I want to make it clear," said Mr. Armstrong, "that this is not a straightout subsidy. If the growers receive a good price they will not be helped. We are simply ensuring that they are reasonably remunerated for their efforts. We believe that everyone who gives service is entitled to a fair return. The agreement is not everything the New Zealand Workers' Union desires, but it will put the workers of the industry in a better position than they have been in before. The agreement is to operate only until September 30, and it can then be revised." DETAILS OF AGREEMENT. Under the new agreement adult mala workers will be paid not less than £3 16s a week, and orchard managers will receive £4 a week as the minimum wage. Where board is provided, 173 6d a week is to be deducted. The weekly rates of wages for youths under 21 years shall be as agreed upon between the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Industrial Union of Workers. The proportion of youths to be employed shall not exceed two to each adult male worker, including the owner, if he is employed as a working orchardist. This proportion may be exceeded if male adult workers are not available. Wages shall be paid fortnightly unless otherwise agreed between the employer, the worker, and the accredited representative of the union. Casual seasonal workers are also provided for, adult male workers receiving Is 8d an hour, and female workers Is 4d an hour. Youths and girls up to 18 years receive Is an hour, and those over 18 and under 21 receive Is 2d an hour.

All statutory holidays are included in the agreement, and after twelve months' continuous employment each employee shall be entitled to one week's holiday on full pay, to be takea at a time suitable to the convenience of the employer. Any employee other than a casual worker, who has had three months' continuous employment and whose employment is terminated .either by himself or by his employer for any reason other than misconduct, shall be paid a proportionate sum in lieu of the holidays prescribed. Any worker employed on statutory holidays shall, in addition to his ordinary rats of wages, be paid at the ordinary ra** for all time worked on such holiday.

Where required, accommodation shall be provided as prescribed by Part II of the Agricultural Workers Act, 1936.