WORK AND WAGES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8752, 15 October 1906, Page 3

WORK AND WAGES.

TAILOR ESSES' AWARD. Tlie Chriatchurch Tailoresses and Prefers' Union recently proceeded against the Kaiapoi Woollen Company in the Arbitration Court for a breach of award, alleging that less than the minimum wage of £1 cs per week had been paid to girls working certain machines, namely, those for button-holing, button-hole finishing, tacking, buttonsewing, button-riveting and felling. The question placed before the Court was whether work done on those _ machines by journey women was within, the award. The Court 'reserved its decision when in Christ-church, but has now communicated' it to tho clerk of awards. It has held that the^ work done by the machines mentioned is covered by the award, and the award rate of wages for journeywomen. must be paid, if journeywomen are employed at the machines. * It is optional, however, for employers to work the machines by means of journeywomen or apprentices. The Kaiapoi Woollen Company has been fined £5 for its breach of the award. .