NOT UNEXPECTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22461, 3 July 1936, Page 10

NOT UNEXPECTED

EMPLOYER'S COMMENT

OVERSEAS COMPETITION

PROMISE OF PROTECTION

TEMPORARY LABOUR SHORTAGE

"It was not unexpected." said Mr K. G. Bridgens, a director of an Auckland boot factory, in commenting upon the decision of the Arbitration Court to fix a 40-hour week for the footwear industry. He said the statement by the employers that there was a labour shortage in the two most vital sections of the trade (flickers and machinists' was substantially correct.

"We feel this is only temporary," he added. "Reaction is sure to come, as heavy overseas and local buying in anticipation of increased prices is at present taking place, and as soon as the retailers have satisfied their requirements the demand will slacken and there will be ample labour available for the trade.

"Reading the judgment of the Court, we feel happy in the fact that it admits we are in a favourable and buoyant position," he added. "Therefore, wo are an economic industry. If not. tvo would not be in this position." There remained two things to be done. First, for employers and employees to help the Government to carry o>.t its policy, and, secondly, for the Government to carry out its promise that an economic industry would be protected from overseas competition, where wages were lower and working hours longer.

EFFECTS OF JUDGMENT

COMMENT BY MR. T. 0. BISHOP

[BY TKLEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday

The likelihood of a move by employers, in view of the Arbitration Court's decision fixing a 40-hour week for the footwear industry, to withdraw applications for extensions of hours beyond 40 a week was mentioned to Mr. T. 0. Bishop, secretary of the New Zealand Employers' Federation, to-day. Mr. Bishop said the effect of the judgment on other branches of industry had not yet been fully considered as many employers were still busy preparing cases to place before the Court. The judgment dealt only with the footwear manufacturing industry, and in his opinion could affect only such other industries as were on all fours with it. " One principle has been established, however," Mr. Bishop said, " and that is that the cost factor is paramount in the minds of the Court."