DRASTIC MOVES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 287, 2 September 1942, Page 6

DRASTIC MOVES

Australian Manpower Problem RECOMMENDATION TO GOVERNMENT (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received September 1, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 1. The War Cabinet has decided on more drastic steps, to obtain.another 219,000 men and women for the war and civil needs 'before the end of tlie year, says the “Daily Telegraph.” The latest review indicates that the Government’s estimate in May that it would require 318,000 more men and women for war work must be increased by another 60,000. About half of the original estimate hasJbeen obtained. The official view is that unless the reorganization of civil industries is carried out with the greatest energy and determination there will be a serious deficiency of manpower at the end of the year. A sub-committee of the War Cabinet has presented a report in which it states, “To meet the estimated requirements of 139,000 men ami 80,000 women, it would be necessary to take a series of (measures which in" scope and severity would transcend anything previously contemplated. In particular, a reorganization of industries would have to be carried through with a ruthlessness and speed which might involve individual inequities and might arouse considerable opposition.” The full Cabinet and ■ War Council will consider the report without delay. No indication has been given that the Government intends to conscribe women for war work, but this is believed to be- a possibility. ■ Many women who are' offering for war work are reported to be unwilling to accept what they are offered, but. try to pick the best paid positions. It is reported that because of the manpower position no more age groups would be called up for the army except in an emergency.

ALL-IN WAR EFFORT Canadian Mobilization Of Manpower

(Received September 1, 8 p.m.) OTTAWA, August 31.

The Minister of Labour, Mr. Mitchell,- announced that the Government intends completely to. mobilize manpower, and has ordered compulsory employment for all persons capable of working who are at present unemployed or not-working.full time. In future no employer may dismiss a worker and no worker may leave his job without seven, days’- notice in writing. , . ', ■ . . .

All employers must report in future their labour needs to the Employment and .Selective .Service offices. Hiring will be done only through the Government Employment Office. .