WAGES AND HOURS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1937, Page 5

WAGES AND HOURS

STANDARDISATIONAIM

CONVENTION AT GENEVA

The International Conference of Labour Statisticians which, composed of representatives from 28 countries, met in Geneva at the end of September, concluded; its work with the adoption of'a proposed draft convention aimed at "standardising" -national statistics of wages'and hours of work.

This standardisation- is absolutely necessary in order to make an accurate comparison of information which, up to the present, varies in meaning and import from one country to another, and which, in certain countries, is even lacking. By the proposed convention the States undertake to compile at intervals and in the manner indicated statistics relating to wages and hours of work, to publish the data collected, and to communicate them to the I.L.C. as soon as possible. These statistics will cover, for the mining and manufacturing industries, including building and construction, on the one hand average earnings of wage-earners, and hours actually worked; and on the other hand; time rates :of wages and normal hours of work.

Special provisions are laid down for agricultural wages. The ■ provisions of the Convention will be completed by recommendations intended to extend the scope of its application. The texts thus , drawn up by the Conference of Labour Statisticians may be used as the basis of discussions at the International Labour Conference if the governing body of the 1.L.0. decides, as expected, to place the question of statistics of wages and hours of work on the conference agenda.