§ 35. Mrs. Elizabeth Braddockasked the Postmaster-General why the temporary postmen employed during the Christmas rush are not paid overtime rates on the same basis as permanent postmen.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe week-day hourly rate paid by agreement with the staff association includes a factor for overtime. Rate and a half is paid on Sundays and Christmas Day.
§ Mrs. BraddockIs my right hon. Friend not aware that postmen who are taken on temporarily for holidays very often have to work much harder than permanent postmen, and resent the fact that their overtime rate is much lower than the rate paid to permanent postmen?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIf the hon. Lady wants me to pay an ordinary hourly rate and the overtime rate she is really asking that the men should have a reduction in wages. I think it would be better if we left this to the trade unions concerned.