CYCLE INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23002, 1 April 1938, Page 11

CYCLE INDUSTRY

PAY FOR SKILLED WORK RATES OF WAGES DISPUTED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday Rates of wages for skilled work in the Dominion cycle industry were considered to-day by the Second Court of Arbitration. Mr. Justice Hunter reserved his decision.

Mr. W. J. Mountjov, who appeared for the employers, said a complete agreement had been reached in conciliation council in August. It was agreed that the rate of pay for skilled workers in the industry was to be the general rate fixed for semi-skilled Workers, but it was not anticipated that there would be a margin of 2£d an hour between the lowest and highest rates fixed by the Court for semi-skilled labour.

"The position is that the workers' union considers the rate of pay should bci according to the higher rate of 2s 7d an hour, while the employers are of the opinion that the Court should fix the rate at the lowest rate of 2s od an hour," added Mr. joyMr. Mountjov called evidence to show that the work of cycle shop hands engaged in the manufacture and assembly of bicycles was by no means that of a skilled tradesman.

Mr. Mountjoy's contentions were opposed by Mr. G. T. Thurston, of Christchurch, for tlie Northern, Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson, Westland and Otago and Southland Cycle Workers' Union.