WAGES INCREASED

Evening Star, Issue 25461, 17 April 1945, Page 4

WAGES INCREASED

FREEZING WORKERS'AWARD

General wage increases of 3Jd in the hourly rates and of 5 per cent, in piecework rates have been granted under the provisions of the new freezing workers' award, which has been issued hy the Arbitration Court. The award represents the agreement of the parties. The 'general increase of 5 per cent, in piecework rates is subject to the exception that those for slaughtering jiheeo and lambs are to be raised by 10 per cent, and 7J per cent, respectively. All these increases have been made retrospective to April 1. The increased rates for youths range from 2s 6d per week at 16 yeare of age to 7s 6d per week at 18i years of age. The'rate for female workers on completion of two years' service is £3 10s per week, which represents an increase of 10s, while junior female wage rates have been raised by amounts varying from 5s to 7s 6d per week. The shift allowance for workers on night shift has been raised from Is 6d to 3s per shift as from January 1. The -award contains a special provision to the effect that for the period January 1 to March 31, 1945, the 1941 award rates are to be increased as follows :—(i.) Piecework rates for slaughtering and dressing sheep or lambs by 7J per cent.; (ii.) all other piecework rates by 5 per cent.: (iii.) all time rates except the hourly rate specified for chain slaughtering by 10 per cent. The award is to continue in force until December 31 next.