BASIC WAGE FINDING

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1926, Page 9

BASIC WAGE FINDING

LABOUR DISAPPOINTED A STRIKE ADVOCATED GRAVE CRISIS PREDICTED By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 16, 7.5 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 18. The basic wage decision of the Industrial Commissioner, Mr. Piddington, has caused widespread discontent in labour union circles where a substantial rise has been anticipated. It is stated on their behalf that already in expectation of such an increase in wages the cost of living had risen, employers, in many cases, having greatly increased the price of their goods. The more militant section of the Labour. Party is advocating a strike as a protest against the finding. In connection with the basic wage finding, the employers’ representative, on the commission had suggested a wage of £3 18b fid, and the employees’ representative, £6 10s. Received Dec. 16, 11.5 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 16.

A meeting of Trade Union secretaries considered the basic wage declaration, and no effort was made to disguise the fact that it is likely to create a very grave industrial crisis. -The meeting adjourned without deciding what action should be taken.