MODIFICATIONS OF 40 HOUR WEEK

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25249, 30 July 1947, Page 8

MODIFICATIONS OF 40 HOUR WEEK

REFERENCE BY MR KISSEL

“ The Press " Special Service NELSON, July 29. Reference had been made to the 40hour week; even that might come under revision, said Mr F. T. M. Kissel, general manager of the State Hydro-electric Department, speaking at a conlerence of Nelson and Marlborough power supply authorities. Arrangements had been made on some jobs for extended hours of work. In some places three shifts were worked six days a week, and, where it was urgently necessary, a seven-aay wetek was being worked. In these cases the men might not be working more than 40 hours a week. The question of the 40-hour week was raised by Mr L. A. Higgins, Waimea Electric Power Board, who suggested that the best answer to the shortage of labour was to revert to the 44hour week. He Relieved the majority of men in New Zealand would be prepared to do extra work if the Government allowed it. One or two unions had hamstrung the Government. It was the “maddest thing this country had ever attempted.” The effect of the introduction of the 40-hour week ■ was that one man in every 11 was dispensed with.