Section 44: Privilege of clerks, servants and workmen

44. Privilege of clerks, servants and workmen (1) Where, at the time of the presentation of the bankruptcy petition, the debtor is indebted to any of his clerks, servants or workmen in respect of the salary or wages of such clerk, servant or workman, whether payable for time or piece-work, the Court may order so much as shall be so due, not exceeding 3 months salary or wages, to be paid to each such clerk, servant or workman out of the bankrupt’s estate by privilege after the preferential claims mentioned in sections 38 to 43. (2) The claims of the clerks, servants and workmen under this section shall rank equally between themselves and shall be paid pari passu.