RESTORING WAGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22463, 6 July 1936, Page 11

RESTORING WAGES

EMPLOYEES' PEOBLEMS CHANGED WORKING METHODS SOME TASKS NOW UNSKILLED Ono of the problems arising from the impending legislation for the restoration of the 1031 standard which employers in the engineering and other industries view with concern arises from the fact that the nature of many classes of work through chain or mass production methods or the introduction of modern machinery has changed entirely since 1931. Many jobs that once demanded highly skilled labour and were remunerated accordingly are now, it is stated, being filled by a different type of worker from whom little skill is needed.

"l?ates for piece-worker* have been adjusted to meet increases in output through changed methods which have made possible cheaper goods," said an employer. "Are these workers going back to the old rates? There is the case of the freezing works industry. Slaughtermen did the complete job with a carcase in 1931. To-day the chain system operates, and as production has increased under this method present rates have been based on the fact. It would be ridiculous to institute the old rates in the circumstances."

Basis of Calculation It was suggested that in the caso of piece-work whero changed methods have greatly increased production, the Government in the new legislation should fix the average weekly earnings for the class of work in 1931 as the basis for calculation of the new piece-rates. Another suggestion is that the legislation should provide that where the nature of work has been changed since 1931 from a skilled to an unskilled job, the Court should bo directed to reduce rates in awards, if necessary, below the 1931 standard. In the meantime, employers generally do not appear to be paying 1931 wage rates as suggested by the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that he proposes to make the legislation restoring the rates retrospective to July 1. "Apart altogether from the question that in many instances we do not know what will be considered the 1931 rates, there have been such a number of contradictory statements issued by the Government that we would be foolish to do anything until the legislation is actually passed," said an employer. Contradictory Statements

"We were told by the Prime Ministor that the restoration of the 1931 standard would apply only to workers under awards and agreements. The Minister in charge of the legislation confirmed that idea. Now the Prime Minister has contradicted himself, as he has done again and again in the past few months, and announced that all workers will be affected. "It is obvious that the' Parliamentary section of the party is being subjected to \-essure from the trades union section and is being made to change its front in the same manner that occurred in the recent industrial legislation, when the Parliamentary Bills Committee made drastic alterations that had not been contemplated by the Government. The only thing wo can do in the circumstances is to wait for the legislation to be passed."