FEWER HOURS’ WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1921, Page 5

FEWER HOURS’ WORK.

AN APPLICATION REFUSED. TIME FOR HARD WORK. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received, Dec. 4, 5.5 p.m. Melbourne, Dee. 4. The Commonwealth Arbitration Court has delivered its decision in connection with the application by a number of unions, including the Gas Employees’, Australian Workers’ Union, and the Federated Engine-drivers’ and Firemen’s Associations for shorter working Hours. The president, in announcing the Court’s refusal of the applications, said the Court would not be justified in adding to the abnormal unemployment by reducing the standard working hours. A reduction of hours from, 48 to 44 generally in Australia at the present time would be a serious blow to industries generally, and particularly to workers. It would be impossible for Australia working 44 hours to compete with England, Canada, and the Continent, where wages were less, the hours longer, and the workers were anxious to accept piece-work. If there was- ever a time when the Australian sta lard hours should, in the interests of he employees and the general public, tot be reduced excepting in special cas-is, it was at present. The president pointed out at the judgment did not prevent the em loyers and the employees from contrae 4 mg in regard to the number of hours to be worked, and thus prevent industry .rom stopping, and did not apply to special cases.—•-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.