Reduction In Work Hours After War?

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1944, Page 7

Reduction In Work Hours After War?

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day The view that after war there would have to be a progressive and substantial reduction in working hours if everyone were to have an opportunity to engage in productive work was expressed in the Legislative Council yesterday by

the Leader (Hoh. A. McLagan), who is also Minister for National

Service and Industrial Manpower

Improved methods of production would be counter-balanced in that way, he said, and the danger of mass unemployment that existed during the depression would be avoided. Mr McLagan’s remarks were prompted by a reference in the second reading' debate on the Unrra Bill to claims by dairy factory workers for a five-day 40-hour week. As one who had a part in . drafting the original proposals for stabilisation, he could say it was not intended that low wages and bad conditions should be stabilised. It was intended to stabilise normal wages and conditions obtaining at that time. “Normal” meant up to the general standard, but the principle was retained that there should be an opportunity for persons in receipt of low wages or working under bad conditions to put up a case, and if the case was proved conditions could be rectified.

It was well-known that the wages of dairy factory workers were not up to standard and the workers were following the normal course of meeting their employers in conference to make claims for a new award. They were asking for certain improvements as they were entitled to do and if they Avere successful within limits, there could be no infringement of stabilisation.

It was true that production from dairy farms went on seven days a Aveek, but that Avas no bar to attainment of a five-day week. A six-day week was recognised in dairy factories today, and a five-day Aveek could be worked by employing more men and staggering hours. After the Avar it would be necessary to resort to a deliberate plan for the reduction of hours. It was true that there Avas a shortage of dairy factory workers today, but he understood that the Avorkers who were seeking a fiveday week, had announced their willingness to work longer if called upon, and so assist in a difficult period.