WAGES IN SHOPS REDUCED

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1931, Page 9

WAGES IN SHOPS REDUCED

DECISION IN CHRISTCHURCH

GOVERNMENT’S LEAD FOLLOWED.

EFFORT TO AVOID DISMISSALS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Christchurch, Feb. 24.

Following the lead of the Government, th.- drapers and boot retailers of Christchurch have unanimously decided to reduce the salaries of all members of their staffs who are not under the jurisdiction of the Arbitration Court by 10 per cent, as from March 1, and to bring all employees covered by awards down to the award rate in cases where they arc receiving in excess of that amount. By .this means it is proposed to make a further immediate reduction in the cost of living and to avoid the necessity of further dismissals and the rationing of work.

SIMILAR ACTION IN WELLINGTON.

BUILDERS ALSO MAKING CUTS.

Wellington, Last Night.

The Wellington drapers and boot retailers held a meeting of their organisation a day or two ago and decided to make a reduction, commencing in March, in the wages and salaries of all members of their staffs who are not under the jurisdiction of the Arbitration Court. In the case of those under an award who receive above award rates the reduction will be 10 per cent, or down to award rates.

In the building trade cuts have been made in some departments by firms that have been paying above award rates. Labourers are now only being paid award rates, and carpenters who were receiving Id and 2d an hour over the award rate are now receiving id an hour over the award.