SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15873, 12 April 1917, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF LABOUR

A COACHT!UILDINO DIFFICULTY

Like most other industries, tin; coachbuilding trade hag suffered considerably through the loss of workers ,who joined the Colours. Many of ils departiiu-iils eall for skillcd work, and, as several of tlicse specialists are now no longer available, the output of vehicles is considerably i-estrioted. Tlu' nsan who works tluj bnnd or fircijlar saw. for iiistanc", take.s time to conrplete his education, likewise tlie man who has to put xij finishing touches of paint on a iinttacar body, a tramcar. or a stylish With the shortage of labour, some uf the employers are "hard pressed to c-oni-pleto contracts of an essential nature which they have in hand, and reference to the fact was made at.the conference of the New Zealand CoacU and Motor Vehicle Trades Federation at Wellington on Tuesday, when Mr H. A. AVhitaker (president) moved:— "With a view of counteracting: the shortage of labour, a problem seriously affecting our business, it is advisable to petition the Efficiency Board to extend the hours of work per week 2b per ccnt. before overtime rate.s commence. also that provision bp made whereby apprentices employed in businesses closed down through st.ress of war may be taken over by other firms irrespective of the proportion laid down bv the present award."

Mr .J. W. Skurr seconded the motion. which was carried without further discussion.