Govt flexible on working hours

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33456, 11 February 1974, Page 2

Govt flexible on working hours

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, February 10. The Government is prepared to consider amending any laws or regulations which restrict the introduction of flexible working hours, says the Minister of Labour (Mr Watt).

During the last few weeks several firms trying to introduce flexible working hours to save fuel, in response to a Government appeal, have found themselves blocked by awards and laws. Some awards, for instance, prescribe specific clock-on and clock-off times which cannot be amended because

r of the Economic Stabilisa- . tion Regulations which ’ apply until June 30. ! Some legislation restricts ! hours of work, especially for I women, and hours to be worked each week. ’ Mr Watt says he has been i encouraged by the success I of pilot schemes of flexible working hours, such as in the offices of his own de- , partment. i “Of course it is too early i yet to know just how effective the system can be,”

he says, "but things seem to be going very well at the! moment. “I would not want to see] any unions and employers discouraged from trying out’ flexible working hours. “If there are any problems which have arisen because of existing laws I will be quite prepared to look into them. “If necessary I would be prepared to consider amending any existing legislation which does create difficulties.”