ABSENT WORKERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1941, Page 6

ABSENT WORKERS

CLOTHING FACTORY OUTPUT AFFECTED POSITION AFTER HOLIDAYS. ARMY CONTRACTS DELAYED •By Telegraph—Press Association,i CHRISTCHURCH. January 8. When one of the biggest clothing factories in the city opened after the Christmas and New Year holidays on Monday it was found that 37 per cent of the employees were absent from duty. This was indicated in a statement issued by Millers, Limited, to the Press. The firm concerned has extensive contracts for the manufacture of army and air force uniforms. The statement made by Millers, Ltd,, follows: — ' The complete indifference shown by some operatives regarding their obligations and the requirements of the country has been forcibly impressed on the management of Millers, Limited's clothing factory in Christchurch. The factory closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays mi December 21. and opened on .Monday. January (>. On opening. however. it was found that 37 per cent of the employees were absent, production being aifected naturally to a great extent. ' All departments were affected. absentees comprising cutters, machinists, tablehands, pressers, etc. This factory is heavily engaged on military and Air Force uniforms, for which the Defence Department has been .stressing the neci-wiiy for regular ami urgent supplies. A number of uniforms were hi the last stages of completion when the factory closed down, but as the factory is short: of its full complement of pressers the uniforms are unable t<> be dispatched Considering the crisis through j which we are passing some steps’ should be taken to insist that barring I illness exceptional circumstance--, employees should be compelled to re- , mum at their posts Employers are I helpless in the matter and it is time the! Government took this matter in hand. Apart fi -m holiday time, the number i of absentee', cause. »j)e mm. a gen. .L’ ■f this factory setious eoncem.