ORCHARD WORKERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25458, 12 February 1944, Page 6

ORCHARD WORKERS

WAGES AND ALLOWANCES PROVISION FOR INCREASES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 11. An amendment to the Agricultural Workers’ Extension Order which was gazetted to-night provides for an increase in the wages paid to orchard workers. The board and lodging allowances have been increased by amounts ranging from 9d to 2s 3d, according to the age of the worker. The rates of pay after these allowances have been deducted are now as follows, the previous rates being shown in parentheses: —

Permanent Workers. —Managers, £4 0s 9d (£3 11s 6d); other adult males, £3 15s 9d (£3 6s 6d); over 15 and under 16, 16s 9d (13s 6d); 16 to 17, £1 Is 9d (19s); 17 to 18, £1 9s (£1 Is 6d); 18 to 19, £1 19s (£1 12s); 19 to 20, £2 6s 3d (£1 17s 6d); 20 to 21, £3 Is 3d (£2 7s 6d). Casual Workers on an Hourly or Daily Basis. —Adult males, 2s 3d per hour (2s); adult females, Is 9d per hour (Is 64d); youths and girls up to 18 years, Is Id (Is); 18 and over, Is 5d per hour (Is 3d). Other minor amendments include an extension of the additional rate of 3d per hour for foreman to other workers taking control of grading or packing alterations, and an extension of the provisions regarding accommodation to females.

The provisions concerning the rates of wages are to come into force as from January 1.