MUNITION WORK

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 212, 13 September 1940, Page 3

MUNITION WORK

AUCKLAND REPORT MINISTER SURPRISED Surprise was expressed by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) at the sentiments expressed in a report from Auckland stating that an application by Booth,, Macdonald and Company to work a. 44hour week at ordinary rates of pay while engaged on important munition work had been refused. He said that the case in question had been referred to the Industrial Emergency Council for consideration;" - A subcommittee of that council had heard evidence and considered that on that evidence it was not justified in recommending on extension of hours, but in the event of more detailed evidence -being made available the matter would be reconsidered. The Minister said he had nothing but the highest praise for the excellent work being done by the counted, which was fully representative of the employers and workers. To date the work of the council had resulted in more than 20 variations of awards affecting wartime production, and in every case Avherc it had been established that variation of an award to provide an extension of working hours would be beneficial to the national interests the council recommended to the Minisl- - that such an extension be made; The Minister said that while compromises had been necessary in some cases, the decisions had been accepted by both sides in the most friendly spirit, realising that the council was doing such excellent work and facing tip to so many difficult problems which only the wholehearted co-operation of both sides? could solve. "If the company can supply more detailed information," said Mr Webb "the council would be* very pleased to have the. matter "reconsidered. The council has made it clear that it will not recommend any valuation of any award unless convinced that such variation is absolutely essential to our war effort.