TRANSFER OF LABOUR

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 65, 9 December 1938, Page 10

TRANSFER OF LABOUR

Problems In Event Of Staff Dismissals GOVERNMENT’S TASK In AVellington labour circles, it was gathered yesterday that littie concern existed over any labour problems that might arise in the event of the Government's import licensing system leading to a curtailment of staffs. It is stated that any such dismissals would release workers who could readily be absorbed in other industries. On the other hand, labour organisations are said to be.cognizant of. the fact that, while the building industry, for one, could absorb a larger number of workers, there is tr general reluctance to join this class of occupation because the conditions of work are not as attractive as in the distributive trades. This would apply particularly to workers on weekly wages who were also receiving holidays on pay. From the employers’ viewpoint it was stated yesterday that an issue the Government would have to face in the event of curtailment of staffs would be the transference of labour. The Government had stated that it would become increasingly responsible for the operation of industry, and that the workers had no need to worry. Obviously, however, dissatisfaction would be created if workers were compelled to accept employment in which the conditions of work were less favourable Hum those previously enjoyed. The employers’ viewpoint was that the problem was essentially one for the Government to tackle. Employers had conceded their limit in relation to production and costs.