PRIVATE HOTELS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 280, 26 November 1932, Page 7

PRIVATE HOTELS

WAGES OF EMPLOYEES COURT RESERVES DECISION [ Per press Association.] WELINGTON, Nov. 25. Application was made to the Arbitration Court to-day by the New Zealand Private Hotel Workers’ Union to fix the wages for female workers, the first case of the kind under the amendment to th e IC and A Act, 1932. In the case of male workers both parties must agree before the matter can be taken to the Arbitration Court. Mr. J. Roberts, for the employees, pointed out that the Court had power to fix wages for female employees, but not conditions. He contended that many private hotelkeepers were willing to come to an agreement, but the association opposed any agreement. Mr. Roberts pointed out that thp benefits under the old award regarding holidays, laundry, etc., were lost to the workers and he asked that the Court fix a higher rate than under the old award. Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, for the employers, quited 16 industries showing the average earnings of women workings at £1 19s 6]d and private hotel employees, allowing for board and lodging, were getting £2 16s 3d. The industry could not pay those rates under the existing conditions and he submitted that a reduction of one-third should be made. He quoted from declarations made by 25 private hotelkeepers to show that, from 1927 to 1932 in one case the tariff was reduced 19.4 per cent, guests from 7004 to 4847, gross takings from £6064 to £3189, and profit £714 to a loss of £396. Staffs and wages had dropped in proportion, but reductions ir the weekly wage must be made to carry on. He proposed to submit 25 statements made on declaration as evidence Mr. Roberts objected, saying that evidence should be given from the witness box and subject to cross-examination. Mr. Justice Frazer said the Court, had power to accept the declarations, which would bp considered for what they were worth. The Court had power to fix wages with or without board and lodgings. The Court’s decision was reserved.