57
37A
16.
Turning now to the allegations in detail, it is clear that they are all, but particularly the first one, based on a misconception of the underlying causes of the closure. There is no evidence that the employer resented the visit of the I.C.F.T.U. delegation or that he was in any apprehension that he might be called upon to increase his wage rates. As has already been explained, there had been a considerable decrease in the daily earnings of piece-workers, but this was not due to lower- ing of piece-rates but to a steady diminution in the volume of work available and to the workers' refusal to secure more work at the expense of some of their number. The following figures, extracted from the books of the company by the Commissioner of Labour personally, show the decrease in piece-work earnings between March and July, 1950. The Commissioner of Labour is satisfied that the books produced to him were genuine factory pay books and had not been tampered with in any way. The figures show the average daily earnings of five women piece-workers for three 10-day periods in March and July respectively:
March
July
$ 3.90
% 1.20
5.40 Experienced 5.60 worker
.90 1.00
$ 2.80
$ 1.50
2.80 Learner
1.00
3.50
1.10
$3.40
1.30
4.20 Experienced
4.30 worker
% 1.70
1.30
1.20
$ 1.60
3.20 Learner 3.40
$ 2.40
3.00 Learner 4.00
1.30
1.70
% 1.40
1.40 2.00
These figures were taken at random from the factory's books and they bear out the statements of certain women workers who have been interviewed by the Commissioner of Labour. The lowest daily earnings of any worker in July were 70 cents to 80 cents, which represent 2 - 3 hours' work.
II. I have already explained the presence of police at the factory. In this connection I might add that on the 24th November, 1950, the local Manager and his Accountant were severely assaulted by some of the pickets and had to seek police protection.
III. The number of workers involved is not more than 1,200.
IV. This allegation can only be understood on the assumption that it refers to the law restricting strikes and lock-outs in essential industries covered by the Illegal Strikes and Lock-outs Ordinance. Obviously it does not apply to this closure which is not even the result of a trade dispute.