GROCERS IN CONCILIATION

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1932, Page 2

GROCERS IN CONCILIATION

NEW CONDITIONS AGREED TO. AWARD FOR TARANAKI. The making of a new award for grocery employees in Taranaki occupied the attention of a Conciliation Council at New Plymouth yesterday. The parties were the Taranaki Master Grocers Industrial Union- of Employers and the Taranaki Grocers’ Assistants’ and Drivers’ Industrial Union of Workers. It was explained that an agreement had been reached as a result of a prior conference of the parties. * About 150 firms in Taranaki were cited. On the grounds that the citations were not in order objections lodged by Mr. V. Duff on behalf -of the palladiums at Eitzroy beach, Ngamotu beach, Belt Road and East End were sustained. An objection to the Taranaki Hospital Board being made a party was lodged by Mr. Duff and both sides agreed that the board should be struck out. An objection by Barkers Ltd., Stratford, to being included was not sustained. The terms agreed to included the following: A week’s work shall not exceed 48 hours. The minimum weekly rates of wages for grocers’ assistants and drivers will be: Age at commencing trade under 16 years, 10s; first year 15s, second 21s 6d, third 28s, fourth 34s 3d, fifth 42s 9d, sixth 53s 6d, seventh 645, eighth 735, thereafter 81s 3d. Sixteen to 17 years 12s 6d, first year 17s, second 23s 6d, third 30s, fourth 38s 6d, fifth 495, sixth 645, seventh 735, eighth 81s 3d. Seventeen to 18 years, 15s 6d, first year 19s Id, second 27s 9d, third 36s 6d, fourth 47s 6d, fifth 595, sixth 70s, seventh 81s 3d. Eighteen to 19 years: First year 23s 6d, second 325, third 42s 6d, fourth 55s 6d, fifth 70s, sixth 81s 3d. Nineteen to 20 years: First year 30s, second 40s 6d, third 53s 6d, fourth 70s, fifth 81s 3d. Under the old award the highest wage was £4 15s, less 10 per cent. Youths under the age of 18 years have to serve a period of six months as probationers before receiving the first year wage, and thereafter have to complete each 12 months before art increase of wages is granted. First shopmen or men in charge will receive £5 per week, which means that the 10 per cent cut has been reinstated. Overtime is to be gaid for at the rate of time and a-half, but no overtime is allowed while shops are open for business to the public. Other usual provisions are made, including terrns of engagement, junior assistant drivers, holidays, casual labour, clerks, bicycle allowance, preference, under-rate workers, The date of coming into operation of the agreement was referred to the Arbitration Court. The commissioner (Mr. W. Newton) thanked the assessors for the manner in which they had discussed the dispute and congratulated them on having come to an agreement. It was pleasing to see employers and employees coming together in such a manner, he said, and he expressed the hope that neither side would have cause to regret the decisions they had arrived at, and that they would continue to work amicably together. Mr. G. Fleming, on behalf of the assessors for the union, thanked the commissioner for the manner in which he had presided. He also expressed appreciation of the attitude of the employers. Mr. N. B. Bellringer, on behalf of the employers, expressed appreciation of the manner in which the commissioner had presided and for the assistance they had received from the union and its secretary.