Appeals Against Manpower Decisions

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1943, Page 4

Appeals Against Manpower Decisions

Appeals against decisions by the Whangarei district manpower officer (Mr F. H. Keeble) were heard by the Industrial Manpower Appeal Committee at a sitting in Whangarei yesterday afternoon. The committee comprised Messrs J. O. Liddell (chairman), K. Simpson, N. Crimp and J P. Clouston (secretary). Appealing against the decision of the manpower officer in granting to the Whangarei Hospital Board permission to dispense with his services Howard Baker, orderly at the emergency hospital, said he disputed the decision on the ground that his suspension could not be supported by fact. Alfred P. Edwards, house manager, said Baker was an employee at the emergency hospital, the work at which was becoming less with consequent reduction in staff, permission having been sought from the manpower officer to dispense with Baker’s services. He had acted in the verbal reports of these directly over Baker, selecting the least efficient man. In evidence, Baker said he should not have been discharged because there was sufficient work for his employment. The chairman observed that the hospital authorities could reduce staff if it had not sufficient work for all employees. Too Much Work Wilbur Coup said he had been working at the hospital when Baker had been discharged. He detailed the work of the hospital orderlies and said that the same amount remained to be done as formerly, reduction in the number of patients having made Little difference. With the reduction in staff some work had had to be left undone and this had led to complaint. He had since been released from this employment. The chairman said he doubted whether the case of an employer reducing staff came within the jurisdiction of the committee unless the remaining employees were being sweated. John H. Swinbanks, representing the Hotel and Restaurant-keepers’ Union, gave evidence that there was the same routine work to he done whether the number of patients was 30 or GO. Complaints had been made because of work being neglected, and more staff was needed.

Cross-examined by Mr J. H. Marwick, for the hospital board, Swim banks said that orderlies were working 42 hours although the award provided for 44 hours. In reply to the manpower officer, he said that he had made no opposition to the release of Coup, which was subsequent to the discharge of Baker. Fred Smith, clerk in the National Service Department, gave evidence relating to the investigation of the case. The appeal was dismissed. Release of Fitter Wilsons (N.Z.) Portland Cement Co., Ltd., appealed against; the decision of the manpower officer io allow the termination of (hi' employment of Prilchel R. Walker, repairman and fitter, who did not attend the hearing. In evidence, Frederick H. Rhodes said that Walker had obtained two doctors’ certificates, but he had not considered the ailments were sufficient to grant his release. He challenged the decision based on those certificates, Another doctor had stated that, he could not give a certificate. Arrangements for Walker to see a specialist had been made, but he had failed to keep the appointment. A member of the board raised the question of Walker's absence, staling that hitevidence should be available, even if it were taken on affidavit in Wellington, where he was now employed. Rhodes submitted a statement that doctors were inclined to look upon patients as clients and to do their best for them. He disputed the finding of the manpower officer on this evidence. In reply to questions, he said that five fitters were employed and about eight hours' overtime was worked by all each week. Walker had been sent to a third doctor, the one who said he could not issu- a certificate, who had believed it to he- the company’s wish for a certificate to be issued, hut he had declined to do so. Before the commit lee reached a decision it could send Walker to its own medical referee in Wellington. Such an action would clear up the matter, and if the other certificates were supported the appeal would be withdrawn, said Mr. Rhodes. Mr. Keeble gave the grounds for his decision, which had been based on the medical certificates produced by Walker, and recommending that he should change his employment. The appeal was dismissed.