Seek Wage Increase Exemption For Storemen, Packers

Northern Advocate, 14 September 1940, Page 9

Seek Wage Increase Exemption For Storemen, Packers

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] AUCKLAND, This Day. . Before the Arbitration Court yesterday an application for exemption from the general order of the court increasing award wages by five per cent was made by Mr H. J. Bishop for complete exemption of the New Zealand (except Westland) Storemen and Packers’ Award, dated June 27 last. Mr W. Miller (for the union) opposed the application. Mr Bishop said the application was made, on the grounds firstly, that the award granted substantial increases in wages and improvements in conditions, notwithstanding that there was no evidence given of any alteration in the conditions of work or the circumstances of the employers since the making of the previous award; and, secondly, that since the making of the award there had been nothing to justify any further increases in wages. Award Increases. The latest award had made an increase of 5/- a week in wages,- and it might find that it could not award the whole of the bonus to these workers. Mr Miller said the points raised by the employers were irrelevant ,and were tantamount to asking the court to remake the award. Mr Justice Tyndall, who presided, s.aid the court would reserve its decision.