Application for Increase in Wages

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 265, 7 November 1941, Page 4

Application for Increase in Wages

ALL AWARDS WILL BE AFFECTED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. C. November 25 has been fixed as th# date of the hearing by the Court of Arbitration of an application made under the Rates of Wages Emergency Regulations 1940 by the New Zealand Engine Drivers’ Industrial Union, of Workers for an increase in wages to meet the increased cost of living. It is not yet known who will act as advocate for the applicant union. It is understood, however, that arrangements have been made by the New Zealand Employers’ Federation for Mr. W. J. Mount joy, secretary of the Wellington Employers’ Association, to oppose the application on behalf of the employers of New Zealand.

Though the application is made by an individual union it is understood that any order made by the Court of Arbitration will have application to all awards and industrial agreements in force in New Zealand. There is an exception that in some industries which have recently received increased wage* and better conditions, the Court may on application exempt the award covering that industry from any order that it may make under the regulations. Pro. vision is made for applications every sit months for increased rates to meet the cost of liying. It provides that the Court in making any order shall take into account (a) the economic and financial condition* affecting trade and industry in New Zealand; (b) the cost of living; (c) ary rise in the cost of living since the date when any previous order under the** regulations was made; (d) all other considerations which the Court deems relevant.

This is the second application to be made under the regulations. The flirt was on August 12, 1940, when a 5 per cent, increase was granted.