FORTY-HOUR WEEK

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1945, Page 3

FORTY-HOUR WEEK

RETAILERS SATURDAY-CLOSING DEBATE With one group favouring the postponement of the observation of a 40-hour week and Saturday closing until the end of January in the meantime so as to adjust transport and other public arrangements and another group staunch advocates, of the implementation of the regulations as soon as possible, suggesting December 29 as the first Saturday holiday, and various other smaller groups adding their opinions • and interpretations of the meaning of the new regulations, the five-day week was fully discussed in all its aspects by the businessmen of the town at the first monthly meeting of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce held last evening. Mr R. N. Anderson presided and there was an attendance of about 40 members. “I am not aware of any business opposed to the five-day week,” began the chairman, who introduced the topic,” and, though it may be a little premature with manpower and staffing, it is here and we have got to adapt ourselves to it.”'The business people of the town, he added, had to consider the shopping public and especially the country shoppers. He thought it unwise to make a hasty decision. All unions would have to apply for an alteration in their hours before the Arbitration Court could give its decision on the matter, but he pointed out that the hours of employees could not be staggered. The 40 hours each week had to be worked in succession, and could not be broken. If an employer wished to give some of his employees Saturday off and others work on Saturday mornings and have a half-day on Monday, he could not do so; he would have to give a full day off on Monday. The new legislation concerning the 40-hour week was effective as from last week-end, and employers would now have to pay overtime for all hours worked exceeding 40. The chairman pointed out that the railway services to the town had to be considered. There were late trains to Otira and Hokitika on Friday nights, but none to Reefton. The change in these time-tables was going to be slow and he suggested that it be a recommendation to the business firms of Greymouth that they remain open on Saturday mornings until the end of January to suit the travelling public. The shopkeepers owed them that, he added, and it would give ample time for everything to be adjusted. Mr R. P. Chibnall asked whether consideration could be given to an 80-HOUR FORTNIGHT His business was in connection with perishable goods, and weddings usually had to be catered for on Saturdays. Overtime would increase costs. The chairman said that perishable { businesses could remain open on Saturday mornings, though overtime rates would have to be paid. Mr R. J. Truman stated that the only days on which employees could be given their holidays were Saturday or Monday. Mr L. Wicks moved that it be a recommendation to the business firms of the community that until the Court of Arbitration fixed the holiday, the following hours be observed: 9.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 9.10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and 9.10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. This would make 40 hours. The chairman said that that could not be done. Time and a-half would still have to be paid on Saturdays. (It was later indicated that this procedure would be practical). Forty hours would have to be worked over five. rhv?

The chairman continued to say that the business firms of the town should be unanimous in the matter, adding that one firm had advertised its intention to remain open until June. In reply to Mr W. E. James he could, not indicate what exactly he required ■ to be clone in connection with railway services. POSTPONEMENT OPPOSED “It’s only trying to put off the happy day. We have got to do it,’ observed Mr L. C. Lindley. January was a “sick” month, and shopkeepers would not make enough to pay time and a-half. He moved an amendment that it be recommended that shops close on Saturday mornings after January 5. “You have no consideration for die public,” said the chairman. Mr E. V. Arthur seconded the motion. Any other procedure was only trying to postpone the evil, day, he added. If a postponement was made, the shopkeepers would still be in the same box.

Mr Truman said that these were abnormal times and he knew that his staff, which had been serving loyally while others had been observing the 40-hour week, had been looking forward to this innovation. Saturdays in January were not paying ones, and he thought that the staffs should be given an opportunity to have their two days off during the Summer instead of waiting till the cold month of June. Nothing would be gained by waiting and the few people who came to the town from the country on Saturday would soon adjust themselves. The Chamber should think of the employees and let them know as soon as possible what was to be done. He did not think that it should wait until January, and moved an amendment that it be recommended that the business firms implement Saturday morning closing as from December 28, the first holiday to fall on December 29. ’ Mr Wicks seconded the amendniont. The chairman said that the Arbitration Court might not decide to hold | the holiday on a Saturday., but members expressed the opposite opinion. Mr J. W. Greenslade said that the chairman had given a lot of thought to the subject, and he appealed for members to do nothing hasty, but to follow the chairman’s suggestion. This was greeted with cries of “What about the overtime rates m the meantime,” from many members. The chairman said that half of the staffs would be on annual leave during that period and that would save overtime being paid to them. Mr Lindley said that that would not be so, for even if members were on holiday if Saturday mornings were worked the holidaying employees would have to be paid overtime. He added that many had. given the matter as much consideration as the chairman. “It means an increase of la per cent, in the pay-roll,” commented Mi Chibnail. Mr Truman said that he was doubtful whether his directors would allow the firm to continue business on Saturday mornings. One chain

store in Greymouth already jiad received advice to close down on Saturdays from December 22. Combined action was wanted. - The chairman pointed out that if any action was taken it could not be altered, if found unsuitable. Mr Lindley withdrew his motion in favour of that of Mr Truman, and Mr ChibnaJl moved a further amendment seconded by Mr G. Oldham, that action be postponed until the end of January. At this stage there was considerable discussion on the exact interpretation of the regulations, many conflicting opinions being aired. Mr Lindley finally pointed out that shopkeepers had already taken action and they would have fully considered the matter, and several Greymouth merchants had also decided on the course they would adopt. Mr Chibnail’s amendment was then put to the meeting and lost, eight supporting it and 16 voting against it, almost half of the gathering declining to exercise their vote. Mr Truman’s motion recommending Saturday closing after December 28 was then put and carried, their being one dissentient voice. Messrs .Truman and Anderson were appointed, a committee to present the Chamber’s views to’ the Master Grocers’ Association at their annual meeting. The chairman reported on the annual meeting of the Associated Chambers at Christchurch, particularly mentioning the proposal that an Import Control Board to make recommendations to the Government be set up. More imports, he added, would be of great benefit to the country, and Britain would produce five times the amount she exported before the war. He also reported on business conducted by the executive, such as efforts to expedite shipping to the West Coast, there having been serious delays to cargoes, including sugar. Efforts were also to be made to see whether the Haupiri Springs could not become a health resort as the Maruia Springs. Several matters were discussed in committee following the open meeting.