SHOP ASSISTANTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 33, 2 November 1918, Page 12

SHOP ASSISTANTS

EXTENSIVE REFORMS. The Wellington, Shop Assistants' Federation, at a meeting on Thursday mgnl, decided to press ror the following reforms, which, it is, suggested, migut bo bWught about by amendments to the Shops and Offices Act:—(l) That the hours',per week shall not be longer than 47. (i!) That no shop assistant shall be employed after 5.30 on any night.in any week. ' (3) That all shops 'shall close. at 12 noon on Saturdays. (4) That the late night shall be entirely abolished. (5) That all extended hours shall be done away with at Christmas and New Year, thereby avoiding an injustice which shop assistants have hud to put up with for many years past. (6) That it shall bo compulsory tor every shop assistant to have his or' her half-holiday notwithstanding that another holiday shall have occurred in tho samo week. (7) That Easter Saturday shall be made one of tli'e statutory closing days in the Act. (B),'-That the provision, that an employee who is receiving in excess of £3 17s. fid. per week is not entitled to overtime shall bo abolished. , >. (9) That all overtime shall be paid for in addition to tea -money, (lfl) That suitable dining accommodation shall be provido in. all shops for both male and female, employees. (11) That' the -Act shall provide for satisfactory heating and seating accommodation, and that thermometers shall be installed in each • department in each shop in order that assistants may be able to see that .the requirements of the Act with regard to heating are carried out. , (12) That rest rooms for the convenience of female employees shall be provided, and that" female inspectors shall bo appointed, such inspectors to bo selected from the ranks of female shop assistants, The Prime Minister (Bt. Hon. W F Masrey) will be asked to receive a deputation from the. federation at an earlv date-.