WAGE INCREASE DEMAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 125, 27 May 1944, Page 5

WAGE INCREASE DEMAND

EMPLOYEES IN FREEZING INDUSTRY CONCESSIONS SOUGHT AT AUCKLAND (P.A.) Auckland, May 26. Applications for a substantial wage increase tor all hands engaged in tne freezing industry hi the Auckland district and other concess.ons were made to-day to the respective employers by the Auckland Freezing Workers’ Union. Copies of the demands were received by th? Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company, Ltd., the Westfield Freezing Coy., Ltd., and R. and W. Hellaby, Lta., and the union’s official letter asked that the employers forward their decision not later than 14 days from date of notification, The union requests that all workers be granted a 3U per cent, increase in wages and be paid double time for work on Saturdays. Payment for travelling time and fares for all employees living more than 14 miles distant from their employment is also sought, and other requests are that increments to female workers be paid at three-monthly intervals instead of six-monthly, and that the minimum wage for female employees be payable at the age of 21 instead of 23. as at present.

No comment was offered by representatives of the firms, but it is understood that tie union’s application will be considered by them at an early date.

More than 3000 employees are concerned in the application. At present a 44-hour week is worked in the industry, including Saturday mornings, and the request for overtime payment for those days is said to be tantamount to a request for a 40-hour week.