MEN FOR INDUSTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 May 1939, Page 9

MEN FOR INDUSTRY

TRANSFER FROM PUBLIC WORKS. OFFICIAL INSTRUCTION ISSUED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 7. Skilled workers employed by the Public Works Department may be dismissed if, without sufficient reason, they refuse offers of private work in manufacturing concerns and industry generally, according to an instruction recently issued by the Government as part of its plan to help the expansion of New Zealand industry. One source of obtaining suitable man power is believed to be the Public Works Department with the approval of the Minister, Mr Semple, a survey among the men. employed by the department is now being made throughout the Dominion to ascertain the number of men obtainable and their qualifications. The Labour Department’s Placement officers will visit every public works undertaking and every man will be interviewed to ascertain whether and to what degree he possesses unused qualifications and experience in any trade or calling of skill. The men will be called on to accept private employment where available at minimum award rates where the employment is of reasonable duration and when acceptance does not entail actual hardship. Any unreasonable refusal will be reported to the department and may result in the dismissal of the worker who will also become ineligible for the social security unemployment benefits or subsidised work.