GARAGE MECHANICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26589, 11 October 1947, Page 9

GARAGE MECHANICS

Sir,—lt would appear to me that garages are at present having a big rakeoff. Some firms have about 20 men in their employ with about one A Grade mechanic, the majority of them being young apprentices or assisted rehabilitated men.

All these garages seem to have the authority to charge 8s 6d per hour for apprentice labour, which I think is wrong, as these boys are twice as long on a job from lack of experience. Could someone supply me with the scale of wages paid to apprentice mechanics? Replacement parts are also out of all reason.—l am, etc., Labour’s Slipped. [An official of the Labour Department stated that the regulations provide for a ratio of one apprentice to one journeyman motor mechanic. Journeymen motor mechanics receive 3s 7d an hour gross under the new award, and apprentices are paid a percentage rate—first six months, 23 per cent.; second six months, 29 per cent.; third six months, 35 per cent.; fourth six months, 41 per cent.; fifth six months, 47 per cent.; sixth six months, 53 per cent.; seventh six months, 59 per cent.; eighth six months, 65 per cent.; ninth six months, 71 per cent.; tenth six months, 77 per cent., and then the full award rate for journeymen.—Ed. O.D.T.]