TIMBER WORKERS’ HOURS

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1940, Page 2

TIMBER WORKERS’ HOURS

MR. TURLEY’S STATEMENT The following statement on the subject of the working of 48 hours weekly in sawmills for the production of butter-box timber, has been made by Mr. F. L. Turley, Secretary of the Westland Timber Workers Union: — “I (have been asked __ to make a statement f "’ A” workers • a i- .u.oti as lu

whether the 48 hour week is compulsory or not; how Ihe regulations apply as to overtime rates; and what arrangements can be made in working the extra eight hours per week. While I have not seen a full copy of the regulations, I have been shown a statement that gives the main details. It appears that the employers are bound to carry out the operation of the 48 hour week, except in case of break-downs, or other acts over which the employer has not control. There does not appear to be any compulsion for all workers to work a 48 hour week. It does appear very clearly that the Government desires the 48 hour week worked, as if it were not an urgent matter, the Government would not be subsidising to the extent of 75 per cent., the extra payment the overtime- rate of time and a-half for the additional eight hours worked. As the Uuion Executive will not be meeting till next Saturday. I can make no official announcement on this point further than above. By Saturday night, the Union Executive should have all the facts and be able to make an official announcement. The regulation, apparently leaves it open to make arrangements between employers and employees as to how the extra eight hours will be worked, and in this matter men on the various jobs should ask the employer to arrange the working of the extra hours in a manner that will be Satisfactory to the employees. Some mills have already, at least temporarily, arranged for eight and three-quarter hours daily and for four and a-quarter hours on Saturdays. In other cases I have been definitely told that the employees will work up to nine hours per day for five days; but this is a matter for the employees and employers to arrange, as long as they carry out the spirit of the regulation. I would suggest to all Union members that they do nothing drastic till after the Union Executive have an opportunity of. considering all aspects of the regulations, when no doubt, they will be able to make suggestions to the members in keeping with the requirements of the regulation.