HARDWARE ASSISTANTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20490, 15 February 1930, Page 13

HARDWARE ASSISTANTS.

ESTABLISHING AN AWARD.

STEP FAVOURED BY COURT.

A decision favouring an award for workers employed as hardware assistants by about 30 Auckland firms carrying on business as wholesale ironmongers was made by the Arbitration Court yesterday. Mr. W. Miller appeared for tfie workers, who are seeking an award, and Mr. S. E. Wright represented the employers. Mr. Miller said the employees were formerly covered by an award made in 1921. There were two sections, wholesale and retail. In 1925, the union wan deregistered, the retail section becoming included in the Retail Shop Assistants' Award. Thus the wholesale section was left " high and dry." Last year they became associated with the Storemen's and Packers' Union.' The wages and conditions of the men were not subject to an award. The present wages were exceedingly low. Evidence was called by the applicants to show that the proportional increase of wages according to length of service was 33 per cent, to 50 per cent, less than the increase in similar occupations. Mr. Wright submitted that the present time was not an opportune one to make an award in the industry. He was informed that a very considerable number of the employees were paid in excess of rates fixed by the Court for Dunedin. This showed that employees were being treated in accordance with merit and ability. Evidence was given by employers, who stated that the ironmongery industry was, and had been for some time, unprofitable. It was stated that the industry could not possibly bear any further burdens, which would result in a reduction of staffs and the swelling of the numbers of unemployed. In announcing the decision of the Court, Mr. Justice Frazer said there appeared to be no dispute as to conditions but objection was taken to the wages paid. Whether these were considered in comparison with those under the old award or under the Dunedin Award, it was seen that they were considerably less. It was evident that the older employees were paid well but this was not the case .with the younger men. His Honor said the Court held that an award should be made. The dispute was referred back to a conciliation council for agreement if possible.