THE FORTY-HOUR WEEK
Sir, —One reads and hears much about the 40-hour week. We have been doing ho for several years, and it still seems no nearer, it appears quite a simple matter for the Government to announce that 40 hours instead of 44 should be the maximum working hours per week, and the workers could be paid for the 40 instead of 44. This would meet with an outburst of indignation in some quarters about decreased spending power, but it would soon adjust itself. The standard of living is set by the standard wage, and the standard wage is merely a matter of comparison with one's neighbour, and if everyone is reduced proportionately the standard remains the same. If there are half a million workers in New Zealand and they are all reduced four hours per week, this means another two million hours' constructive work for the present unemployed, or work for 50,000 on a 40-hour week. Result is, unemploymentabolished and increased leisure for all workers. Is. this not possible? S. A. Hayden.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 17
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174THE FORTY-HOUR WEEK New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 17
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