SAWMILL HOURS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1940, Page 4

SAWMILL HOURS

MINISTER’S STATEMENT

(Per Press Association—Copyright). WELLINGTON, Dec. 5. “No variation of hours in general is contemplated ’’ the Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) said yesterday in an intervehy on the regulation gazetted providing for a 48-hour week in West Coast sawmills, and in some of the North Island mills, in order to increase the production of timber for butter boxes. The point that hours would be increased only on the recommendation of the Industrial Emergency Council was emphasised by the Minister: '' “All variations in awards must first be approved by the Emergency Council before I agree to their taking place,” Mr Webb “Any company or industry requiring an extension of hours for the purpose of furthering our war effort can send it to the council for investigation and consideration. The council heai's evidence of all interested parties, and then makes its recommendation to me. By those means every case is thoroughly gone into, and when the recommendation comes to me I feel confident that it expresses the good judgment of both the employers’ and employees’ representatives on that council.” Variations in approximate 30 different awards had been recommended so far by the council, the Minister said. Thfl variations had bee.i made to meet ths urgent needs of industry, and both sides had responded splendidly.