FORTY-HOUR WEEK FOR DRIVERS

Southland Times, Issue 23436, 17 February 1938, Page 3

FORTY-HOUR WEEK FOR DRIVERS

EFFECT OF NEW AWARD The effect that the recent storemen’s and packers’ award has on the hours of drivers working for employers whose principal business is covered by this award is explained in a letter from the New Zealand Drivers’ Federation to the secretary of the union at Invercargill (Mr D. Harris). The award provides for the working of a 40-hour week, with provision for the payment of overtime. “The Motor and Horse Drivers’ Award provides that in the case of drivers employed in industries or by establishments where a number of hours fewer than 44 a week is in operation, by order of the Court or by operation of the legislation the hours of work for these drivers shall be of the same number,” the letter stated. “The effect of this is to bring all drivers employed by merchants and others whose principal business is covered by the Storemen’s and Packers’ Award under a 40-hour week. “As far as work on Saturdays is concerned overtime need not be paid unless the 40 hours are exceeded. The award provides that an additional four hours may be worked in excess of 40 at ordinary rates in addition to the weekly wage. This, however, does not apply to drivers, in whose case overtime rates will have to be paid for all hours worked in excess of 40. “The same provisions will apply to all establishments governed by the recent oil stores, and wool, grain and hide stores awards.”