WAGES AND HOURS

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1942, Page 4

WAGES AND HOURS

On Defence Works AWARDS SUSPENDED WELLINGTON, Marell 13. Rates .of pay and hours of vvork on all defence works are prescribed in the Labour Legislation Suspension Order gazetted to-night. The order is one suspending the provisions of all awards, industrial agreements and voluntary agrements affecting the conditions of employment in any of the industries carried on in connection with defence works. «. This action follows the announcement of the appointment of th e Defence Construction Council to ensure absolute priority for defence works, and their speedy construction. ' Under the order, the normal hours to be worked will be 54 per week. Shifts are to be worked as required.

The wages are to be calculated on the basis of the total amount payable under the revelant award or agreement for a 50-h.our week, with overtime at the rate of time and a half for hours in excess of the ordinary hours. For exampie, carpenters will receive 3s 3d an hour and labourers 2s 9d an hour, or a weekly wage for 54-hours of £8 15s 6d and £7 8s 6d respectively. No .overtime or Sunday rates will be payable for work done on such occasions.

Each worker .will be paid a minimum of £5 5s per week, except for any week during which he is absent from work through his own default. On countrv work, unless board and lodging is provided, an allowance of 30s weekly will be paid. Provision is also made for work to be performed by contracc on a co-ooerative basis, where necessary. In resuect of matters not provided for in the order, the provisions contained in awards or agreements apply.

I Hon. P. C. Webb stated tnat very ! careful consideration had been given to the conditions laid down in the | Order, which may call for a sacrifice i on the part of some workes who at present, because .of the shortage of manpower, are receiving amounts greatlv in excess of the award rates. > “However. I have been greatlv c-n--oouraged ,’by discussions “hat have taken place and by the earnest de- ■ sire expressed bv the workers’ or- ' ganisations and employers to give their whole-hearted support to the i scheme,” the Minister added. The I provisions of the Order have been ! concured in by the Hours Committee of thu Industrial Emergency Council.”