EXEMPTION REFUSED

Evening Star, Issue 22382, 4 July 1936, Page 10

EXEMPTION REFUSED

TIMBER AND WOOLLEN INDUSTRIES THE FORTY-HOUR WEEK [Pen United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 3. The judgment of the Arbitration Court fixing the hours of work in the sawmill, box factory, and timber yard industries at 40 per week exclusive of overtime was delivered by Mr Justice Pago to-day. The judgment said it had not been established that 't would be impracticable to carry on efficiently on a 40-hour week. The rates cf pay would be adjusted so that the ordinary weekly rate would not be reduced by reason of the reduction in the working hours. The question of fixing the hours so that no part of the working period fell on a Saturday would be dealt with in a subsequent memorandum. . Judgment fixing the hours at • 0 was also given on the application < f the workers under the Northern. Wellington. Canterbury, Otago, and Southland woollen mills employees award. It was considered that it was not impracticable to carry on efficiently the industry oi work of any of the factories in question on a 40-hour week. An order was made that no part d the working week fall on a Saturday.

NOT UNEXPECTED THE FOOTWEAR DECISION [SracuL ro the ' Star.’! AUCKLAND, July 3. “ It was not unexpected.” said Mr F. G. Bridgens, director of an Auckland boot factory, in commenting upon the decision of the Arbitration Court to fix a 40-hour week for the footwear industry. He said the statement by the employers that there was a labour shortage in two of the most vital sections of the trade (flickers and machinists) was substantially correct. “ We feel that this is only temporary,” he added. “ A reaction is sure to come, as heavy overseas and local buying in anticipation of increased prices is at present taking place, and as soon as retailers have satisfied their requirements, the demand will slacken and there will be ample labour available for the trade. “ Reading the judgment of the court, we feel happy, in the fact that it admits that we are in a favourable and buoyposition,” he added. “Therefore we are an economic industry. Jf not we would not be in this position.” There remained two things to be done—first for the employers and employees to help the Government to carry out its policy, and secondly for the Government to carry out its promise that economic industry would he protected from overseas competition where wages were lower and working hours longer. t