EXTENDED HOURS OFFER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21211, 6 September 1940, Page 7

EXTENDED HOURS OFFER

REASON FOR REFUSAL (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday Surprise was expressed today by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, at sentiments expressed in a report from Auckland stating that an application by Booth, Macdonald and Company to work a 44-hour week at ordinary rates of pay while engaged on important munition work had been refused. The Minister said the case in question had been referred to the Industrial Emergency Council for consideration. A sub-committee of that council had heard evidence, and considered on that evidence it was not justified in recommending an extension of hours, but in the event of more detailed evidence being made available the matter would be reconsidered. “If the company could supply more detailed, information,” said the Minister, “the council would be very pleased to have the matter reconsidered. The council has made it clear that it will not recommend any variation of any award unless convinced such variation is absolutely essential to our war effort.” SOUTHERN TANNING INDUSTRY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday Workers in the tanning industry in the Otago and Southland industrial districts will be permitted to work an additional four hours weekly at ordinary rates. Authority for this is contained in a labour legislation suspension order issued with the Gazette. The additional hours shall be worked on five or five and a-half days of the week, as may be decided upon by agreement.