DISMISSALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 154, 1 July 1936, Page 10

DISMISSALS.

CASES REPORTED. EFFECT OF NEW LAWS. UNIONIST TO TAKE ACTION. It was intimated by several trades Union officials tlm morning that they proposed, immediately to communicate with the Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, directing his attention to the case of certain firms dismissing employees as a result of the restoration of wages to the 1031 level to workers covered by awards and industrial agreements becoming operative from to-day. This line of action lias been decided on by the secretary of the Auckland Drivers' Union, who has received complaints of dismissals by certain carrying firms. One particular contractor, it is alleged, signed off eleven men last evening on the score that he cduld.not afford to pay the 1931 award rates for carriers. In some instances, it is further stated, the employers had intimated that they would themselves drive some of their own , wagons. The union proposes to write to the Minister directing notice to the position that has arisen in view of the assurances given by him that action would be taken to prevent dismissals through the coming into operation of the new legislation.

"There have been certain dismissals, and I think in some cases employers are taking a chance of prosecution," said Mr. J". Purtell, the secretary of several unions this morning. "I am quite convinced that the Minister, from communications received, intends to carrv out the law. At the same time, I do not think the dismissals are as extensive as suggested in some quarters, as in quite a number of cases there is a difficulty in obtaining the labour required." Apart from the increases in wages, to which workers under awards and industrial agreements would be entitled as from to-day, Mr. Purtell said that the increases in pay to employees under the Factories and Shops and Offices Acts would also be substantial. These Acts also come into operation from to-day, and he personally knew of increases running into almost £1 for boy and girl labour.