SHOP ASSISTANTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 November 1939, Page 5

SHOP ASSISTANTS

EFFECT OF IMPORT CONTROL ON EMPLOYMENT. ACTION TAKEN IN HAMILTON. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) HAMILTON. November 13. That the concern felt by employers over the effect of the import restrictions is shared by their employees was demonstrated in Hamilton today when more than 40 employees of Hamilton business firms met to formulate a plan of campaign to endeavour to have the Import Regulations Act amended. At the meeting a Hamilton Shop Assistants' Association was formed, and arrangements were made to hold a mass meeting of assistants in Hamilton on November 20. Criticism was made of the inactivity of the Shop Assistants’ Union in not bringing before the notice of the Government the seriousness of the present position. "We are in one accord that there must be some easing of the port restrictions if we are going to retain our employment.” said the chairman. Mr A. N. Kirk. “I do not think it would be any use for us to take action on our own. but we can combine with similar organisations in other centres to approach the Government. We do not want any action on our part to seem as if it were inspired by employers. We are working for the relief of employees who will probably need assistance more than employers. - ’ Mr D. S. George said that all assistants were aware of the acute position in regard to stocks. It was probable that there would hold out for Christmas, but after that there would be little or nothing on the shelves, he said. If anything were done it should be done immediately.