WAGE INCREASES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21979, 25 March 1946, Page 2

WAGE INCREASES

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS Recent negotiations between the Federated Farmers’ Organisations and the New Zealand Workers’ Union have resulted in an agreement to pay increased minimum wage rates for workers employed on sheep and agricultural farms, as from April 1, 1946, according to an announcement in the Standard. A statement by the union general secretary, Mr. C. Hair, states that the signed’ agreement has been placed in the hands of the Labour Department so that the amended rates may be gazetted by Order-in-Council. It is hoped that this may be done before April 1, when the rates comes into force. The increases range from 5s a week for youths to 10s a week for adults, and there is also an increase of lid an hour for casual workers. The amended weekly rates are as follows:—Under 17 years of age. £1 15s; under 18, £2 ss; under 19, £2 15s; under 20, £3 ss; under 21, £3 15s; 21 and upward, £4 ss. Hourly rates are: Harvesters. 2s 9d; other workers, 2s 4Jd found, or 2s 9d not found: youths up to 18, Is 6d found, or Is lOid not found.