RECENT INCREASE IN WAGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 191, 15 August 1940, Page 4

RECENT INCREASE IN WAGES

EFFECT OF COURT’S ORDER DOES NOT APPLY TO WORKERS NOT COVERED BY AWARDS Asked yesterday to give a ruling as to the effect of the general order passed last week by the Court of Arbitration, authorising a five per cent, increase in all wages undet awards to cover the cost of living, Mr. A. J. Weekes, secretary of the Wanganui Employers’ Association, said that the order affects all awards, industrial agreements and agreements under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, and applies not only to the wages prescribed, but,also to overtime and special payments, such as tea money and dirty work. "The order does not apply to workers outside awards and industrial agreements,” said Mr. Weekes, “nor is it necessary to increase the wages of workers who are already receiving more than the award rate, provided that their present rate is at least equal to the award rate with the additional five per cent.” v It is evident from what Mr. Weeke.sW has said that a great deal of time ’ will have to be devoted by a number of local bodies and firms to working out pay sheets where different rates of pay are operative for overtime, dirty work, and so on. Making up pay-sheets by firms employing staffs governed by different awards will also require close attention. Mr. Weekes said that his office was busy during Monday, Tuesday and yesterday answering enquiries from employers regarding the order.

The order became operative on Monday last.