INCREASE IN WAGES CLAIMED

Southland Times, Issue 24113, 30 April 1940, Page 6

INCREASE IN WAGES CLAIMED

COURT TO DETERMINE COST OF LIVING

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 29.

A claim by the Auckland Tramway and Omnibus Employees’ Union for an increase of 8 per cent, on the wage rates set out in the existing award to meet the increasing costs of living, was discussed by representatives of the union, supported by representatives of the Federation of Labour, at a meeting of the Auckland Transport Board. The clause under which the claim is being made provides that if the cost of living in Auckland is increased or decreased by a full 5 per cent., or more, as compared with the cost of living at the start of the agreement, then either party may require a revision to be made in the rates of wages. The board decided that the clause should be referred to the Court of Arbitration for interpretation and if the Court should not uphold the claim for 8 per cent, then it should be asked to declare the increase to which the men were entitled under the clause. The effect of the board’s decision will be that for the first time since the economic changes caused by the enactment of the Labour Government legislation and the outbreak of hostilities, the Court of Arbitration will be asked to assess any increase in the cost of living in relation to wages. The clause under which the claim is made provides that proof of the rise or decrease can be given either through the pronouncement of the Court of Arbitration or through the official records of the Government statistician.