COST OF LIVING

Evening Star, Issue 23563, 30 April 1940, Page 6

COST OF LIVING

TRAMWAYMEN CLAIM 8 PER CENT. RISE [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 29. A claim by the Auckland Tramway and Omnibus Employees’ Union for an increase of 6 per cent, on the wages set out in the existing award to meet the increasing costs of living was discussed by representatives of the union supported by representatives of the Federation of Labour at a meeting of the Auckland Transport Board to-day. The danse under which the claim is being made provides that if the cost of living in Auckland is increased or decreased by a full 5 per cent, or more as compared witli the cost of living at the commencement of the agreement, then either party may require a revision to be made in the rates of wages. The board decided that the clause should be referred _to the Court of Arbitration for an interpretation, and if the court should not uphold the claim for 8 pfcr cent., then it should be asked to declare the increase to which the men were entitled under the Cl The' effect of the board’s decision will be that for the first time since the economic changes caused by the enactment of the Labour Government’s legislation and the outbreak of hostilities the Arbitration Court will be asked to assess any increase in the cost of living in relation to wages. The clause under which the claim is made provides that proof of a rise or decrease can be given either through a pronouncement of the Arbitration Court or through the official records of the Government Statistician.