SHOPS’ FIVE-DAY WEEK

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 June 1944, Page 2

SHOPS’ FIVE-DAY WEEK

GROCERS’ OPPOSITION.

WELLINGTON, June 13. A decision against the introduction of a five-day week has been made by the New Zealand Master Grocers r ederation on the result of a postal ballot taken throughout the Dominion, inc vote by associations was overwhelmingly against a five-day week. . It was reported by the president (Mr. A. R. Masters), who called upon the various grocers’ associations throughout New Zealand in con 1 ? 60 ;, tion with the holding of the ballot, that of the 17 associations two take the- necessary ballot, three recorded for a five-day week, ana me remainder were against it. Those associations favouring a five-day wh.-k v/ere Auckland, Canterbury, ana the West Coast. In the circumstances, Canterbury agreed to fall in witn tncmajority of the associations. “Grocers now know where l “ e y stand on this matter,” said Mr- M, as 7 ters, “and I think it only right chat ether traders should be given the rigm to declare themselves in this connection. and that might also apply witn members of the respective unions o, employees.” Mr. Masters said he had been ol opinion that the Drapers’ Federation was strongly in favour of a livo-c-.ay week, but he now learned, on reliable authority, that this was far froni being [lie true position. “Drapers at the present time are not exactly a happy family,” he said. “They have not nad a ballot, and there is a very wide dixersity of opinion on this imporimu matter.” Mr. Masters added that at n meeting of the executive of the Grocers Federation held in Wellington it was agreed to allow Auckland, the only "ssociation which had its own aware, (the remainder coming unoer a Dominion award) to. use its own o.isc.etion in the matter, but Uie general opinion, he said, was that any mic'I’- 1 ’- fe'-ence with present working cimtiifans, should be optioned, at leant dm 1 - ; •;! ■ • 111 c- ’ wa' ’ neriod.