RETAIL GROCERS ASSISTANTS’ AWARD

Grey River Argus, 7 November 1949, Page 7

RETAIL GROCERS ASSISTANTS’ AWARD

A new award for New Zealand (except the Northern Industrial District other than the Gisborne district) retail grocers’ assistants and drivers, has been announced by the Arbitration Court. New wage rates, payable from March 9 to May 31, range from 31s during the first six months and 114 s after the sixth year has been completed, for a youth of 16, to 130 s 3d during the first half year and 144 s during the second half year, tor an assistant of 21 years and over. Wage rates payable on and from June L 1949, range from 35s a> week and 150 s 5d after the sixth year is completed for an assistant under 16 years, to 139 s a week during the first six months and 150 s 5d during the second six months, for an assistant over 21 years.

The minimum rates of wages for branch managers or workers in charge of shops are £8 2s 7d where up to four assistants in addiiion to the branch manager or worker in charge are employed, and £8 Ils where five or more assistants in addition to the branch manager or worker in charge are employed. All overtime worked will be paid for at the rate of time and a half for the first three hours, and therafter double time. The minimum rate of payment an hour must not be less than 2s.

Female workers employed exclusively in the sale of confectionary and tobacco in grocers’ shops shall be paid the same minimum rate of wages as is prescribed for female shop assistants under the retail shop assistants award. Casual workers can be employed provided that they are paid not less than 4s 11 an hour, with a minimum payment of four hours on any one day on which such workers are employed.

Where white coats or smocks arc worn by the workers, the employers must launder them, or at the option of the employer, pay for them to be laundered. Oilskins, southwesters and leggings must be provided for the use of workers who are required to be out in wot weather.

In cases where a worker is required by the employer to use nis own mo-tor-cycle or motor-car on the employer's business, the employer is to pay an allowance of 12s 6d a week for a motor-cycle and 6d a mile for a mo-tor-car with a minimum allowance of £4 in any one week. An employee required to use his bicycle on the employer’s business, mas*' be paid. 2.6 a week as a* bicycle allowance.

The clauses in the award relating to the rates of wages to be paid are retrospective to March 9. All other provisions in the award came into force on October 25.