THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15766, 6 December 1916, Page 8

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

SHOP ASSISTANTS' PROTEST. A largely attended mooting of shop assistants, comprising grocers, drapers, ironmongers, etc., was held in the Trades Hall last night. Mr J• McCombs, M-P.. presiding. Mr R. D. Martin stated that the object of the meeting was to protest against the action of the employers in. taking advantage of a flaw in the Shops and Offices Act by working the assistants two late nights in succession at Christmas time, and also to urge upon \tbe Government the immediate necessity of repealing section 5 of the Shops and Offices Act. In addition to Dunedin having only one late night, tho speaker said he. had just received a telegram that the Auckland grocers and drapers were observing Saturday only. He understood the grocers in "Wellington intended to adopt a similar attitude. He pointed out that it was an injustice, especially to the female assistants, to expect' them to work ten and twelve lioui.s respectively on Friday and Saturday. It was resolved : — 'That this meeting of shop assistants strongly protests against the manner in which the employers seek to interpret the ShoiKs and Offices Act, so as to work employees two, late nights in one week, regardless of the consequences to health, and calls the Government to alter the wording of the said Act in order to avoid a recurrence of the position." "That this combined meeting of shop assistants respectfully urges upon the Minister of Labour the urgent necessity of repealing section 5 of the Shops and Offices Act, 1003."' "That a deputation from this meeting wait on the Trades and Labour Council and draw their attention to the 'act that certain shopkeepers intend to take advantage of a flaw in the Shops and Offices Act. and work their ejnplovees two nights in the week prior to 'Christmas, "to the great hurt and detriment of employees generally and youthful and feinnle assistants in particular." "That an endeavour be made to arrange with Mr Cooper, secretary of the Employers' Association, for an immediate conference with employers, so that an amicable arrangement can be arrived at."