INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION

Evening Star, Issue 22252, 1 February 1936, Page 11

INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION

EMPLOYERS' DISCUSSIONS WITH MINISTER IMPORTANT POINTS AT ISSUE [Special to the 'Star.’! WELLINGTON, February 1. . Tho 40-hour working week was one of the questions discussed with the Minister of Labour (Mr H. T. Armstrong) by a deputation from the New Zealand Employers’ Federation this week. The Minister informed your correspondent that the employers, while objecting to it, admitted that, in view of the way in which world conditions were developing, this decision might have to be faced. The employers also put forward their views on the amendment of the Arbitration Act, and discussed with the Minister the operation of the existing provisions of the Apprenticeship Act. Suggestions were made regarding the Workers Compensation for Accident Act, which the Minister proposes to amend. Other Labour legislation was dealt with, the Minister remarking that the employers met him in a friendly spirit and that he appreciated the opportunity of hearing their views, which would be considered in conjunction with those of the other interests concerned.

Replying to a question, Mr Armstrong stated that the Government had not come to any general decision regarding legislation for a universal 40hour week, its action having been confined to the announcement of the Minister of Public Works regarding tho Public Works policy. However, the Arbitration Court, in the coming legislation, would secure much wider powers, though he did not suggest that there would lie statutory provision for a shorter working week. “ As Minister of Labour it is expected of mo that a very large number of amendments to the Labour laws should be passed,” concluded the Minister, “ but that would need having the whole session to. myself, and I hardly expect that my colleagues would agree to that.”