Stores oppose longer hours

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 17

Stores oppose longer hours

Opposition to any extension, ;to shopping hours have been' expressed bv the board of, directors of Foodstuffs (Christchurch), Ltd, in a telegram to the Prime Minister , (Mr Muldoon) and the MinUster of Labour (Mr Gordon). The board of directors, in conjunction with all Four Square stores and New World supermarkets in Canterbury, westland, Nelson and Marlborough, said they supported the views of those opposed to the introduction of extended shopping hours. They also reaffirmed their support of the present fiveday, 40-hour week with the present provisions for the sale jof exempted goods. I The Canterbury Storemen I -and Packers’ Union has decided not to support the proposed extension of retail shopping hours. At a long term meeting of I the union’s executive last evening, it was agreed that I support bv the union for the

Retail Shop Assistants’ Un-i ion would be discussed after 1 I the stop-work meeting ofj shop assistants on June 2. j Possibly strikes by retail--1 assistants against legislation; which could extend shopping hours was illegal under the terms of the Commerce Act • the president of the Retailers’ Federation, (Mr C. O. Gibbs) said in Wellington yesterday, reports the Press Association. The Commerce Act forbids strikes on issues which could not be settled by employeremployee negotiations, or . which were intended to; coerce the Government in a; capacity other than as an ern-l ' ployer. Mr Gibbs alleged that facts) about the bill given by union) iofficials in public statements, were distorted. “In no way does the bill; mean a 14-hour working day; for shop employees. “Their hours are already : regulated by their existing awards or agreements,” he said.