§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour how many wage settlements have been concluded during the period of extreme moderation in the incomes policy; how many workers are affected by these settlements; what is the average increase in rates and earnings arising from these settlements; and what is the corresponding information for salary earners.
§ Mr. GunterSeventeen major wage settlements affecting about 790,000 workers, the average increase on minimum rates being 5.7 per cent. Five salary settlements cover about 340,000 workers and the average increase is 5.4 per cent. It is not possible to estimate the effect of these settlements on earnings.