WAGES RAISED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25797, 19 March 1945, Page 4

WAGES RAISED

THE HOURLY RATE AN INCREASE OF 3£d THE COURT’S FINDING Under the authority conferred on it by clause 5 of Amendment 5 of the Economic Stabilisation Emergency Regulations the Court of Arbitration has issued a pronouncement specifying the standard rates of wages for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labour. The new hourly rates fixed by the Court are as follows, the rates fixed on September 7, 1937, being given to show the extent of the increases in the respective classes: Court are as follows, the rates which have prevailed since September 7, 1937, being given to show the extent of the increases in the respective classes: — Mar. 17, Sept. 7, 1945. 1937. Skilled workers 3/01 2/9 Semi-skilled workers 2/8t to 2/11 2/5 to 2/71 Unskilled workers 2/71 2/4 These rates are to be increased in the manner and to the extent prescribed by the court’s general orders of August 9, 1940, and March 31, 1942. The claims made by the workers at the hearing, which began in Wellington on March 5, were for an increase of 4£d an hour on the existing standard rates of 2s 9d, 2s 5d to 2s 7ld, aqs 2s 4d for the classes mentioned. The court was also asked to pronounce on standard rates for female workers in the three categories on the basis of two-thirds of the adult male rates, and also rates for junior workers. After hearing the workers’ arguments, the employers’ representatives contended that no sound reason had been advanced to justify an increase. The court intimates that it does not intend to make any pronouncement relating to standard rates for female workers or for juniors. It is announced that any amendments to awards or industrial agreements that are made in respect of applications submitted within a reasonable time will be directed to have effect as from April 1 next.

The full text of the court’s pronouncement will be found on page 6.