CASUAL WORKERS

Southland Times, Issue 21094, 28 May 1930, Page 6

CASUAL WORKERS

TELEGRAPH EMPLOYEES MISUNDERSTANDING OVER CIRCULAR / STATEMENT BY THE HON. G. W. FORBES (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, May 27. The Hon. G. W. Forbes announced today that in response to representations made to him with regard to a circular issued by the District Telegraph Engineer at Auckland, he had on his return to Wellington investigated the position. In the first place it was ascertained that the circular was not issued by the head office of the Department or with its knowledge. Apparently some misunderstanding arose in the' Auckland district over certain isolated cases, the papers . being wrongly regarded as conveying general instructions. The conditions of employment have not altered, except that difficulty has. been experienced for some time past in providing work and material for men now employed and in consequence the authority to engage casual labour is concentrated in the head office until more material is available. Those who voluntarily leave the Department cannot expect to be re-engaged, but no restriction will be placed on the reengagement of a man whose absence was involuntary. Inquiry disclosed that no disadvantageous conditions are being imposed or considered regarding men now employed on the casual staff.