CLERICAL WORKERS' AWARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23103, 30 July 1938, Page 17

CLERICAL WORKERS' AWARD

Sir, —One of the worst features of the new award is the feeling of insecurity which it must bring to many female clerks, who have held senior positions in offices, and, in course of time, become eligible tor the-maximum rate of pay. AI the old rates, which were generally regarded as satisfactory, employers could allord to reward good service by paying more than the awaid rate, but to-day these workers, owing to tho penalising minimum, cannot feel secure in their jobs, and the law cannot protect them from dismissal. Sknior.

Sir, —''Disgustedbeing a clerk in the Public Service, may be excused to a certain extent for comparing wages with thoso of the clerks who are affected by the reccntly-nnnoiir.ced award, but, realising that clerks on the whole for many years past have been the unfortunate individuals who have had to bo content to receive the low wages, 1 think "Disgusted" should congratulate us and express the hope, now' that the Arbitration Court has issued a clerical award, that Government clerks' wages will bo adjusted accordingly. "Disgusted" should remember that it is the Arbitration Court which issues the awards, and it would hardly be fair if the Court had, first of all, to refer to the wages of Government servants and then draw up an award. 1 think it is only reasonable that the Arbitration Court should announce an award first of all, and then Government clerks, etc., expect to have their wages adjusted. I sympathise) with "Disgusted" and hope that 11 is wages will soon bo adjusted. Three pounds fifteen shillings per week is not enough and £5 10s per week is not too much for a person of your age. and with seven and A*half gears' office experience. A Clkuic.