PAYMENT OF WAGES

Grey River Argus, 29 May 1935, Page 8

PAYMENT OF WAGES

Fine for Breach of Award lii the Magistrate’s Court at Greymouth yesterday before Mr. 11. Morgan S.M., the Inspector of Awards (Mr. 11. M. Hopper) proceeded against Stratford, Blair and Co. Ltd., claiming £lO and alleging a breach of the Westland Timber Workers’ Award, through failing fo pay wages twice monthly. A plea of guilty was entered. The Inspector stated that the wages should have been paid by April 20, but payment had not been made by April 29. and he understood that the wages were still unpaid on May 15. Defendants had been prosecuted previously foi non-observance of the Award, and had been warned on innumerable occasions. They had promised to adhere to the Award, hut never seemed to do so. They were operating four mills and employed a. large number of men. Mr. A. M. Jamieson said the offence was admitted. Under the Award, a majority of the workers could decide, if they so desired, to have their wages paid monthly. A ballot was taken at two of the company’s mills, and the men agreed to have their wages paid monthly. It was admitted that a ballot was not taken at the particular mill concerned in the present case. He pointed out that most of the men were married, and received monthly accounts. He understood it was more convenient for them to receive their wages monthly. It was admitted that no definite arrangement had been made for the taking of a ballot, but he submitted that the penalty should' be nominal. The practice of monthly payments had obtained for two or three years, since the slump in the indus try. The Inspector stated, in reply to the Magistrate, that the men objected to monthly payments. He had warned defendants on two or three occasions, in regard to payments at their various mills.

The Magistrate said that he would fix the penalty at £2. and give judgment to plaintiff for that amount.