"MUST ACCEPT WORK”

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22747, 27 June 1939, Page 16

"MUST ACCEPT WORK”

MEN LISTED AS UNEMPLOYED MINISTER'S ATTITUDE MADE CLEAR The Minister for Labour, the Hon. P. C, W ebb. yesterday issued a warning that unemployed workers must accept work offered them. Refusal, he em-phasi.-ed might mean their being declared voluntary unemployed, and their uir unemployment benefits under the Social Security Act. Inc Minister made this clear when he met representatives of the various Government departments in Christiiiuicn ana discussed with them the question of finding jobs for seasonal unemployed workers. Mr Webb later ' isited some cf the outlying areas, including Rangiora and Kaianoi, and arranged ior the employment of many men out of work because of seasonal fluctuations in industry. "Jobs have been found for about 100 single men in different parts of the South Island," the Minister said. “W®rk for the remainder is being arranged between local bodies and Government departments. Between 400 and 503 have registered in Christchurch as unemployed during the last two weeks, but arrangements made to-day should result in finding employment for all fit men.”

Notices had been sent out to all eligible unemployed in Christchurch Instructing them to report to the authorities at stated times on Wednesday mornhig for the purpose of being interviewed.

“It is honed that the men seeking work will not neglect to attend,” said Mr Webb. “On one occasion previously. 100 men were- notified to attend at the Labour Department offices. Out of that number, only five presented themselves. “I want to warn workers that unless they are prepared to accept work, they are liable to be declared voluntary unemplosed and thus ineligible for unemployment benefits."

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER

INCREASED SUSTENANCE WANTED A deputation of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement (Canterbury Centre) waited on the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister for Labour, yesterday morning. The members of the deputation were: Messrs T. Hill (central executive), E. C. Leach (central executive). R. Cox (sustenance section), and H. E. Barnsley (member of the national executive and Canterbury Association organiser).

Mr Hill presented the case for an Increased sustenance allowance; the case being supported by figures given by Mr Leach. The case for seasonal workers was briefly outlined by Mr Cox. Individual cases were submitted of alleged anomalies by all the speakers. The Minister, in reply, gave instructions for all cases submitted to be investigated immediately. He said that the matter of increased sustenance allowances was not strictly under his department’s control. It was a matter So'- the Social Security Department, and he would convey the information to that department. He said that he knew the matter was already under discussion by the Cabinet and was receiving all consideration. The conference then discussed matters of vital national importance at some length. The Minister for Labour assured the deputation that the whole of the case, as presented, would be dealt with, and that he was making arrangements for the immediate employment of a further 150 men. Mr Barnsley spoke of the good work done by the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement and of its many responsibilities. The movement acted for men. he said, who had no trade union organisations to take an interest in their cases.