AWARD DEFINED

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1939, Page 3

AWARD DEFINED

FOR CLERICAL WORKERS. AUCKLAND, February 27. An opinion by Mr. J. A. Gilmour, industrial magistrate, on the interpre-i tat ion of several clauses of the Northern Industafel District Clerical Award has been issued. This follows an application by the Inspector of Awards, and as questions of policy are involved. the decision of Mr. Gilmour has been approved by the Arbitration Court.

“In determining wages payable under this award should employment as a clerical worker outside New . Zea.land be taken into account?” is the first question answered. Mr. Gilmoui’ states that the wage payable under the award is jointly dependable upon the age at which he begins employment and upon his experience, measured by the length of period at that work.

“The employers say that owing to difficulties which would frequently be experienced in obtaining details of previous employment, the rule should not be made applicable to periods of employment served outside New Zealand,” Mr. Gilmoui’ continues. "It is perhaps impracticable to lay down any hard and fast rule, but as the award speaks of ‘age at commencing employment’ without restriction as to places of employment, I am of' the opinion that where circumstances are such as to enable an employer without insuperable difficulty to obtain reasonable proof of the extent of a worker’s previous employment outside New Zealand, the periods of employment served outside this country by a worker should be taken into account in determining his wage under the award.”

The next question deals with the question of whether, in determining wages, previous employment in ail classes of clerical work (except clerical work specially excluded in the “definition” clause), should be taken into account. Mr. Gilmour states that in determining wages payable under the award, previous clerical employment in any class jof undertaking covered by the award, as indicated by the list of parties thereto (except clerical employment specially excluded in the “definition” clause) is to be taken into account. The two remaining questions ask what wages are payable in completion of nine years’ service to a clerical worker who commenced employment under 21 years of age, and also what wages are payable on commencement to a clerical worker commencing employment over 21 years of age. “After listening to further argument presented,,, by the employers, I can see no good" reason for departing from the opinion previously expressed,” concludes Mr. Gilmour, “and the answer to both questions is, accordingly, £5 55.” CARPENTERS AND JOINERS. WELLINGTON, February 28. The hearing of the carpenters’ and joiners’ dispute commenced in Conciliation Council, to-day, and before lunch practically a full agreement was reached on all clauses in the award, which had been discussed at a private meeting of employers’ and employees’ representatives in December. The only clause in dispute is holidays, and it will be discussed this afternoon.

The minimum rate of wages is £5 7s 6d, and hourly workers will receive a minimum of 2s 93d. An hourly worker is one who has been employed continuously for a period of less than three months.