FORTY-HOUR WEEK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21469, 18 April 1933, Page 13

FORTY-HOUR WEEK

Sir, —There seems to be a persistent belief among certain people that a reduction of the working day will automatically reduce the number of unemployed, but this is not so apparent when facts are examined. The international Labour Oilice have been considering the proposal, and came to the conclusion that so many unknown quantities have to bo considered that there is no possibility of gauging the effect of a reduction of working hours. If the rate of weekly wages is not correspondingly reduced prices must; go up and the wage-earners would bo able to purchase less for the same wage. To this the advocate of the shorter week replies that it would not matter, because tho reform would be universal and the same for everybody. Hut would it. J That is tho point. In 1917 an international labour convention recommended a universal 48-hour week—-but after 1-1 years 'll States out ot' tho 55 which belong to the 1.L.0. have refused to ratify the convention. When the 'lO- - week was recently discussed Russia and U.S.A. declined to attend tho coiir ference, while Japan and India refused to vote. Thus it is obvious that it will not be the same for all. Suppose, however, that a miracle happened and they all agreed to the 40-hour proposal, Great .Britain and those countries paying higher wages would be penalised more than they are now. As compared with Japan, Britain is now at a disadvantage of 8s higher weeky wage, and if the 40-hour week came in at the same wage, this would tie increased by Is 7d. However, the 1.L.0. declares that " it is impossible for Governments to enter into an international regulation of hours and wages"—so the question seems to be outside practical politics. N.Z. Whlfaue League.