HELPING STRUGGLING INDUSTRIES

Southland Times, Issue 23990, 4 December 1939, Page 5

HELPING STRUGGLING INDUSTRIES

POLICY OF ARBITRATION COURT OUTLINED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 2. The policy of the Court of Arbitration when dealing with an award for a struggling industry was outlined by the Industrial Magistrate, Mr J. A. Gilmour, in a memorandum accompanying the new Woolpack and Textile Workers’ Award. “It is important to note,” he says, “that in dealing with a struggling industry the Court’s policy has been to allow it an opportunity, only for a limited time, of maintaining its existence.” That opportunity, he considered, had been afforded to the company and he came to the conclusion that wages nearly approximating the Court’s standard rates could no longer be withheld from the workers. The company had been given more than two years in which to consolidate its position. . “Unfortunately, however, notwithstanding that the management of the company has been in capable hands,” he said, “the evidence showed that its continued operations had resulted in further substantial losses and it is estimated that the loss for the current year will be approximately £5OOO. It is proper to mention that since its formation the company received much assistance and encouragement from the Government, and, according to a statement by the general manager, loyal support has been given by the employees.” The Magistrate said a weekly wage of £4/10/- might now be regarded as the Court’s standard for male adult factory workers working a 40-hour week. Male adult workers in this industry, although paid by the hour, might properly be classed as weekly workers as the evidence disclosed that little time was lost, work being constant throughout the year. Bearing this in mind, he fixed the wages at 2/3 an hour, which would yield £4/10/- for a week of 40 hours. The ordinary weekly hours were fixed at 44, thus giving the employer the right to work employees four hours in excess of 40 each week at ordinary rates.

The rates for females rise from 16/a week for the first six months to £2/10/-. The company covered is New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles Ltd.