CUT THROAT CAPITALISTS

Grey River Argus, 5 March 1946, Page 5

CUT THROAT CAPITALISTS

36-Hour Week Tactics

LABOUR CRITICISM ENDORSED

CHRISTCHURCH, March 4 Criticism by 'the Secretary of the New Zealand Federation'.of Labour (Mr. Baxter) of the practice of offering a-.36i hour week for 40 hour week is generally supported by manufacturers in Christchurch.

Although the offer has been largely made by North Island firms to attract labour, particularly from the south, a similar offer has been made .by a Christchurch firm. “I agree entirely with Mr. Baxter’s contention that a reduction of hours below 36 a week must destroy that economic balance on which stabilisation depends," said the president of the Federated Garment Council of New Zealand (Mr. A. M. Hollander).

to-day. "At a time when everbody’s standard of living depends on vital production, and so much overtime is being worked in the clothing trade, it is unsound to have anyone advocating- a 36 hour week. It is a reflection on the present method of price approvals adopted by the Price Investigation Tribunal, which, after qll, is so closely associated with stabilisation that extra costs, such as a reduced working week, are ultimately paid for by the consumer. Such increased costs are recognised by the Price Investigation Tribunal as an integral part of the basis on which costs are calculated. While Mr. Baxter's condemnation is directed at one or two employers in the clothing industries, who are advertising these uneconomic offers, it should be noted' that in recently circulated claims for new awards two member unions of the Federation of Labour —the Woollen Mill Workers’ Union and the Federated ClothingWorkers’ Union —have both included a 35 hour week in their claims.”

EXAMPLE FOR UNIONS

CHRISTCHURCH, March 4 An apparent anomaly with Jrades unions claiming a 36 hour week when, the proposal has been condemned by the Secretary of the Federation of Labour was referred to union officials to-day. It was pointed’ out that the claims referred to had been lodged before the 36 hour week issue was discussed by the Federation. The point was made that for employers to offer a 36 hour week on their own accord was tantamount to an invitation for unions to have this provision ... included in their claims for new |l awards.