FRUIT INDUSTRY WAGES

Evening Star, Issue 22576, 18 February 1937, Page 6

FRUIT INDUSTRY WAGES

AN AGREEMENT REACHED

[Per United Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, February 17

An industrial agreement covering workers in the fruit industry was completed after a scries of conferences between the Minister of Labour (Mr Armstrong) and representatives of the New Zealand Workers’ Union. The wages agreed upon are an advance on those paid previously, and the Government promised to help the growers if prices for the produce fall below a level which will give them a reasonable return.

Mr Armstrong stated to-day that the export guarantee, which was contingent on the prices realised overseas, would bo continued, and the subsidy would be paid on locally-consumed fruit in the event of the price falling below an economic level. An amount of £40,000 bad been set aside to meet possible contingencies on the internal prices. “ I want to make it clear,” Mr Armstrong said, “ that this is not a straight-out subsidy. If the growers receive a good price, they will not be helped. Wo 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 puts 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.” . The agreement also deals with weekly rates of wages for youths, and the payment of casual seasonable workers, the rate for whom will be: Adult male workers, Is 8d an hour; female workers, Is 4d an hour; youths and girls up to 18 years, Is an hour; and those between 18 and 21 years, Is 2d an hour. Provision is also made for the observance of the statutory holidaj’s, etc.