PLACEMENT OFFICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22657, 19 February 1937, Page 11

PLACEMENT OFFICE

CARPENTERS COMPLAIN "Sr THE UNION SUPPLANTED CRITICISM OF CONDITIONS Complaints that the Government Placement Office was supplanting the union organisation as an agency for supplying tradesmen were mado to the City Council last night by a deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, which asked that the council in futuro should engage all tradesmen through the union. Mr. J. H. Cameron said the union was not only better able to supply suitable men, but also could be trusted to look after their interests. The Placement Office had sent to jobs men who were not members of the union, and in some cases had not notified tho union of tho fact. Some such men had been paid less than the legal wage and others who had gone to country jobs had not received fares and travelling time. The office also supplied men to employers who, the union alleged, had repeatedly broken the award. It was contended that too many non-unionists were being placed when unionists were available and willing to do the work. Mr. Cameron added that other unions in the building industry endorsed the protest. The deputation also complained that sanitary arrangements and accommodation for changing and eating meals on a number of current and recent city building contracts were most unsatisfactory. It asked that the same standard of sanitation be enforced on these jobs as in permanent workplaces. In reply to a question, a member of the deputation stated that the council had not been free from blame. The sanitary arrangements on the Grafton Bridge repair job were very primitive and unsatisfactory. The Hon. F. E. Lark, M.L.C., asked whether the union could supply the 200 carpenters who were said to be needed on the Government housing scheme at Orakei. Mr. Cameron; AVe have had no notification, but we could supply them. Another member of tho deputation said tho scheme was outside the union's jurisdiction. Mr. Lark said he objected to the public attack made by the union on the Placement Office, which was doing most useful work. Mr. Cameron: So far as we are concerned, the Placement Office is not creating any new jobs. 11' men are available, it can do no better than we can, and it may do worse. We know the best men and can send them. The two matters were referred to the Works Committee for a report. EMERGENCY STAFF WATERWORKS DIFFICULTY EFFECT OF FORTY-HOUR WEEK A suggestion that the "week-end holiday habit" is growing in New Zealand as a result of the introduction of the 40-hour week was contained in a report submitted to the City Council last night by the waterworks engineer, Mr. A. D. Mead. As a result a new arrangement has had to bo made for certain emergency services over weekends and holidays. Mr. Mead reported that a good deal of emergency work was necessary at week-ends and holidays, due chiefly to breaks or stoppages in service pipes. Previously it had been possible without much difficulty to pick up workmen for the purpose as several of the servicemen lived within easy distance of headquarters and others were on th<» telephone. However, following the institution of the 40-hour week, more of the men had been going away for week-ends and it was considered undesirable to rely purely on chance for obtaining men to attend to emergencies between Fridav evenings and Monday mornings. An arrangement had been tentatively reached whereby one serviceman in turn would remain on call at his home on Saturdays for a payment of 5s over and above his wages. If he had to be called out lie would also receive overtime rates in addition. The arrangement appeared to cover the situation satisfactorily. The suggestions were adopted. REFUSE COLLECTION ENFORCEMENT OF BY-LAWS CONDITION OF RECEPTACLES Provisions in the city by-laws regarding the collection of refuse are to be strictly enforced, as a result of decisions reached by the City Council last night. A report from tho Works Committee stated that many of the refuso receptacles used in residential areas were in an insanitary condition, and the position in this respect was becoming worse. On the recommendation of the committee, it was decided to enlorco the provisions that refuse must bo placed in suitable metal receptacles, conforming with the by-laws, and that these receptacles, when they are placed to be emptied by the council's collectors, must bo within 10ft. of the gateway or entrance to tho street. 1 lie result of this ruling is that refuse receptacles cannot be placed on the footpath or roadway, as at present, but must be placed inside the gate or entrance. The committee recommended that tenders should bo called for the supply of a minimum of 600 refuso receptacles constructed in accordance with the council's by-laws, and that the council should lie permitted to take delivery of the receptacles as and when required. This was adopted.