NEW BAKERS' AWARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21113, 22 February 1932, Page 11

NEW BAKERS' AWARD.

AN INTERPRETATION SOUGHT.

QUESTION OF NIGHT WORK,

"Quite a lot of things need clearing up in tho award; there is misunderstanding all round," said Mr. E. J. Watson, in appearing for the union in an application for interpretation of the Dominion bakers and pastrycooks' award heard in the Arbitration Court on Saturday. Tho award, which is dated December 22, provides certain special payments of 3s, 4s and ss, graded according to the hour at which the employee commences his day's work. Various questions arose as (o the interpretation of these hours and whether the special payments became duo as soon as work was commenced within tho hours specified or only when a period of eight hours had been completed within them. The case was brought by the Department of Labour. On the subject of night baking, Mr. Justice Frazor said he thought he might say that all three members of the Court agreed that it was better for men to work in tho daytime and they would rather see them work in tho daytime. Night work was a disagreeablo necessity. The Court had no power to compel tho single-handed baker to bake in the daytime. Ho did not come under tho award, and if employers of labour were forbidden to bake at night a distinct advantage would bo given to tho baker who did not employ. Tho president intimated that tho Court would consider the arguments submitted and make its decision known as soon as possible.