NEW BASIC WAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10716, 9 October 1920, Page 7

NEW BASIC WAGE

" " INCREASE IN NEW SOUTH WALES. By Telegraph—Freas Assn. —Copyright ■SYDNEY, October Bth. The Board of Trade is making a declaration to-day increasing the basic wage by eight shillings, the new amount being £4 ss. This will apply to all employees under State awards in receipt of Jess than £525 per annum. The estimated increase will involve the Government paying an extra million, and will cost private employer? five millions. ; FURTHER DETAILS. UNIONISTS EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT. (Received 'October 8, 10.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 8. The decision of the Board of Trade to increase the basic wage by 8s weekly has been issued. Tt does not apply to rural industries, and certain country districts are covered by separate declarations. An accompanying statement shows that prices have increased 18 per cent., and the purchasing power of money has decreased 15 per cent, since the previous declaration was made. The statement adds that it is possible that the pinnacle of high prices has been reached, and a decline will have etarted before the next declaration is due. When this occurs, and a proposal is made to reduce wages, the system will he put to a real test. Unionists express themselves as disappointed. They anticipated a rise ,to at least £4 10s. Some claim that £3 would be only a fair thing to meet thf increased cost of living.