BAKERS’ WAGES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 268, 12 October 1932, Page 10

BAKERS’ WAGES

CONCILIATION PROCEEDINGS. Per Press Association. AVELLINGTON, Oct. 11. Conciliation proceedings in tho dispute of the New Zealand Federated Bakers’ and Pastrycooks’ and Related Trades Employees Industrial Association of AVer leers were opened to-day before the Commissioner (Mr A\ r . Newton) upon a Dominion citation by the union.

In regard to the claim for a 40-hour week, Mr AVatson (for the union) said that the shorter hours were proposed with the object of getting unemployed men back into the trade.

To this the employers replied that the more men engaged, the higher the producing costs, as every man would have to ho paid a living wage. There would bo a boomerang effect on tho men, perhaps by the use of machinery. AVould not tho shorter hours mean more overtime?

The wages sought by tho applicants, with the employers’ proposals in parentheses, are :—Foreman baker or pastrycook, £5 10s (£4 10s); journeyman baker or pastrycook, £5 (£4); bakehouse la.bouf.ers or packers £4 0s Gd (£3 ss).

Later Air Bishop said the employers had given careful consideration to the original counter-proposals and had decided to submit an amended schedule. The proposed hours were still 48, but the starting time had been altered to an hour later, the proposed start for bakehouse workers being 4 a..in. The employers were also prepared to pay an extra five shillings per week in each wage grade, making the reduction five per cent, on the present award rates. Other minor alterations were also proposed. The employers were also prepared to include a preference clause. “We are not fighting unionism or collective bargaining,” said Mr Bishop. Replying, Air AVatson said the amended proposals were certainly a long way better than the first lot. The workers’ assessors required time to consider them.

On the Commissioner's suggestion it was decided to adjourn until next morning. During the proceedings a worker assessor asked whether an assurance would be given that the proposed wage rates would not be .subject to a further general reduction by order of the Court.

Air Bishop replied that the Court’s powers to make a reduction would expire on December 31, therefore any further order would have to be made before then. “1 can assure you there is no intention on the part of tho employers to ask for another general order this year.”