"SERIOUS LOSS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 283, 28 November 1940, Page 16

"SERIOUS LOSS."

ABSENCE FROM WORK.

FOR TRIVIAL REASONS.

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday.

A decision to draw the Government's attention to the serious loss in production arising from the irregular attendance of workers at tlieir employment, with a view to reducing to a minimum default of workers for trivial reasons, was reaedied at the manufacturers" conference at Hanmer Springs to-dav. The decision followed a long discussion of difficulties encountered by factory owners. especially those engaged in production for (iovernment munition and supply contracts.

It was stated, that the difficulties arose chiefly over the attendance of female workers. Members drew attention to the practice among some workers of absenting themselves for very trivial reasons. It was also stated that these absences usually occurred on the day after pay day and the workers concerned, who were in many cases key workers, were generally content to make up the lost day's pay for a shorter period of time worked for higher rates as overtime.

Two further remits regarding munitions production were referred to the resident executive committee. These urged that the (iovernment be requested to reopen the Onelmka iron works or a suitable substitute and that the (iovernment be asked to encourage the establishment of a brass extrusion and rolling mill to assist in the production of the necessary material in New Zealand for the manufacture of small arms.