MEN FOR INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23340, 8 May 1939, Page 12

MEN FOR INDUSTRY

PUBLIC WORKS SURVEY EXPERIENCE IN TRADES TRANSFER TO PRIVATE FIRMS [by TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION*] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday Skilled workers employed by the Public Works Department may be dismissed if, without sufficient reason they Tefuse offers of private work in manufacturing concerns and industry generally, according to an instruction recently issued by the Government as part of its plan to help the expansion of New Zealand industry. One source of obtaining suitable man power is believed to be the Public Works Department. With the approval of the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, a survey among the men employed by the department is now being made throughout the Dominion to ascertain the number of men obtainable and their qualifications. Tho Labour Department's placement officers will visit every public works undertaking and every man will be interviewed to ascertain whether and to what degree he possesses unused qualifications or experience in any trade or calling of skill. The men will be called on to accept private employment where available at minimum award rates, where employment is of reasonable duration and where acceptance does not entail actual hardship. Any unreasonable refusal will be reported to the department and may result in dismissal, the worker also becoming ineligible for social security unemployment benefits or subsidised work.