WORK NEGLECTED

Grey River Argus, 9 January 1941, Page 6

WORK NEGLECTED

BY THIRD OF STAFF Millers Ltd. Complain [Her Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, January 8. When one of the biggest clothing factories in this city opened after the Christmas and New Year holidays, on Monday, it was found that 37 per cent, of its employees were absent from duty. This was to-day indicated in a statement issued by Millers, Ltd., to “The Press.” The firm concerned has extensive contracts for the manufacture of Army and Air Force uniforms. The statement, made by Millers, Ltd., was as follows: “Complete indifference is shown by some of the operatives regarding their obligations and regarding requirements of the country. This has forcibly been impressed on the management of Millers Ltd’s, clothing factory in Christchurch. The factory closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 24, and it opened on Monday, January 6. On opening, however, it was found that 37 per cent, of the employees were absent production being affected. It naturally extended. All departments were affected, the absentees comprising cutters, machinists, table-hands, pressers, etc. This factory is heavily engaged on military and Air Force uniforms, for which the Defence Department has been stressing the necessity for regular and urgent supplies. A number of uniforms were in the last stages of completion when the factory closed down, but, as the factory is short of its full complement of pressers, the uniforms are unable to be dispatched. Considering the crisis through which we are passing, some steps should be taken to insist that, barring illness or exceptional circumstances, employees should be compelled to remain' at their posts. Employers are helpless in the matter, and it is time that the Government took this matter in hand. Apart from holiday time the number of absentees causes the management of this factory serious concern.”