WAGES INCREASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25804, 27 March 1945, Page 4

WAGES INCREASE

SUGGESTION TO EMPLOYERS ANTICIPATING ACTION BY COURT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Mar. 26. “ Since the Court of Arbitration indicated an all-round upward movement of 3£d an hour on its previously existing standard rate, there have been many inquiries from workers and employers respecting the application of the court’s pronouncement to existing awards,” said Mr P. M. Butler, secretary of the Labourers’ Union, to-day. “ The court has stated that if applications for the amendment of awards are made within a reasonable time any increase which may be awarded will date from April 1, 1945. “It is obvious.” Mr Butler added, “ that there will be a large number of such applications to the court, and that there will be delay in many instances before all the amendments are finally decided. This means that in many instances individual employers will.be called upon to make retrospective payment and adjustments to April 1. “ The general practice with the majority of local bodies is to commence the financial year as from April 1. Many of these are at the moment considering their estimates for the coming year. As many of the local bodies are covered by awards to which this union is a party, it is suggested that they should make an increase immediately of not less than 3£d an hour. If this action is taken it will obviate confusing adjustments later in the year.” Mr Butler suggested that other employers should act similarly. “It is clear that at the moment there is no legal obligation on any employer to act on this suggestion,” he said, “ and it is possible in any case that certain adjustments in other rates of remuneration will be necessary, but if an increase of 3Jd an hour is paid as from Anril 1 in anticipation of ultimate amendment, much heartburning and detailed book work will be obviated."