POLITICAL

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1936, Page 4

POLITICAL

ARBITRATION BILL,

WKLLiNGTON, May 5. Th 8 second reading of the Industrial ComUiation and Arbitration Amendment Bill, which is being handled by Mr Armstrong, has still to be completed. in addition, the Minister has another measure to be introduced in the new future. This is a bill dealing with conditions of work ' for farm laouurers employed on dairy farms, and embodying the terms, of the agreement recently made with representatives of the dairy industry, The Minister explained that the measure would fix the minimum weekdy rates of wages for workers of 16 years of age and upwards, the vvuges to vary according to the guaranteed price for dairy products. It would also make provision for annual holidays for farm workers, but the question of hours of work would not be dealt with specifically in the oill.

A fair number of applications for the formation of new unions has been received, particularly from clerks, the Minister said, but it was still too early to make an announcement.

When the movement in Christchurch for the formation of a domestic workers’ union wa s referred to Mr Armstrong, he said that the existing legislation had provided for such action, out no application had been made to che Arbitration Court for an award.

Some changes would be required in the Administration of existing' aUd new industrial laws, the Minister explained. When he took office there had been a deficiency of 30 in the staff of inspectors, and it was necessary to improve this condition. Already 10 applications were beiug called for positions of in-’ spectors of industrial conditions, and if the Reed arose this number would he

increased. At the moment more men were required to. do such work as inspection of scaffolding.