WORKERS IN ORCHARDS

Evening Star, Issue 22892, 25 February 1938, Page 14

WORKERS IN ORCHARDS

SLIGHT INCREASE OF PAY [Pee United Pkebs Association.] WELLINGTON, February 24. Slightly higher rates of pay for agricultural workers in orchards, to operate from February 14, are prescribed in the agricultural workers’ extension order issued with to-night’s ‘ Gazette.’ The new regulations, which for the first time fix the hours of work for certain seasons, will remain in force until further notice. Provision is made for a six-day week, and the maximum hours of work per fortnight will be 80 from the third week in May until August 31, 88 for September, October, and November, and 96 for December until the end of the second week in May._ Sunday work is permitted in certain circumstances. Overtime will be paid at the rate of time and a-half except for frost-fight-ing, when ordinary rates will he paid. Provision is also made for statutory holidays. The minimiim weekly rates of wages are: For managers, 21 years and over, £4 _2s, the sum of 17s 6d to be deducted if hoard and lodging are provided; and for other adult male workers £3 18s and 17s 6d respectively. The rates for. youths permanently employed, together with the amount deductible if board and lodging are provided for, are: Over 15 to 16, 20s, 7s 6d; 16 to 17, 255, 7s 6d; 17 to 18, 30s, 10s; 18 to 19. 40s, 10s; 19 to 20, 455, 10s; 20 to 21, 52s 6d, 10s; over 21, adult male rate, less 17s 6d if board and lodging are provided l . The rates for casual workers, who are defined as workers employed on an hourly or daily basis, are: Adult males. Is 9d per hour; adult females, Is sd; youths and girls up to 18, Is an hour; 18 and over, Is 3d.