EMPLOYEES CONCERNED

Evening Star, Issue 23422, 13 November 1939, Page 8

EMPLOYEES CONCERNED

ASK FOR EASING OF IMPORT RESTRICTIONS MEETING OF SHOP ASSISTANTS [Per United Press Association.] HAMILTON, November 13. That the concern felt by employers over the effect of the .import restrictions is shared by their employees was demonstrated to-day when over 40 employees of Hamilton business firms met to formulate a plan of campaign to endeavour to have the Import Regulations Act amended. At the meeting a Hamilton Shop Assistants’ Association was formed, and arrangements were made to hold a mass meeting of assistants here on November 20. Criticism was voiced of the inactivity of the Shop Assistants’ Union in not bringing before the notice of the Government tlie seriousness of the present position “We are in one accord. There must be some easing of the import restrictions if we are going to retain our employment,” said the ■ chairman, Mr A. N. Kirk. “ I do not think action on our own would be of any use, but we can combine with similar organisations in other centres to approach the Government. We do not want action on our part to seem as if it is inspired by the employers. We are working for the relief of employees who will probably need assistance more than the employers.” Mv D. S. George said the assistants were aware of the acute position in regard to stocks. Tt was probable that these would hold out for Christmas, but after that there would he little or nothing on the shelves, he said. If anything was done it should he done immediately.