“Time Demand For Increased Wages Was Steadied”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22757, 1 October 1948, Page 3

“Time Demand For Increased Wages Was Steadied”

EMPLOYERS’ VIEW

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 30The belief that it was time the demand for increased wages should be steadied was expressed by Mr. J. R. Hanlon, advocate for the employers, in the course of a discussion in the Conciliation Council of the wage claims by the New Zealand Federated Clerical and Office Staff Employees’ Association. The employees asked that the wages for both male and female workers should be raised to £8 10s a week, with a corresponding increase for junior workers. Mr. Hanlon said the Federation of Labour was said to be seriously considering requesting that the stabilisation regulations should be amended in order to allow the Court of Arbitration to increase wages. For employers to agree to an increase in wages at the present time would be very foolish. “If you think you can get more, you must ask the court for it,” said MrHanlon. “We are not prepared to give it.” Other claims made by the employees are for a five-day, 40-hour week and other general improvements relating to overtime conditions. Employees were still of the opinion that the term “clerical workers” should include people employed in work related to administration, said the employees’ advocate, Mr. A. S. Herring. No agreement was made in the matter of wages and this is to go to the Arbitration Court.

It was agreed, however, that overtime rates should be raised from the present Is fid an hour to Is 9d an hour; also that workers employed on overtime after 6 p.m. or required to work beyond 1 p.m- on Saturday or Sunday should be allowed 2s 3d meal money. An agreement was reached that the annual holidays should remain the same as in the present award. Clauses in relation to sick pay are still in dispute. It was agreed that adequate lighting and ventilation should be provided in all offices and that morning and afternoon tea intervals of 10 minutes be allowed. The terms of the award is to be left to the court. Applications from certain employers are to be struck out, as parties to the award will be opposed.