GIRLS WANTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23432, 23 August 1939, Page 14

GIRLS WANTED

FACTORY SHORTAGE BIDDING FOR WORKERS WAGES ABOVE TIIE AWARD INDUSTRIES HAMPERED So acute has become the scarcity of femalo labour in the clothing industry that girls are being offered as high as £3 5s a week, which is 15s more than the award rate, to act as machinists. Advertisements have appeared olforing employment to machinists at £3 5s a week. Girls have also been offered 25s a week to start as apprentices, although tho award starting rate is 17s 6d. Girls aro leaving some factories for others under tho ltiro of higher remuneration. Employers aro often faced with tho necessity of paying wages above awards in order to retain girls, as fresh supplies of labour aro not being attracted into the industry. Tho position is described ns acute in Wellington, and it lias existed there for somo time. It is in process of development in Auckland. Heavy Orders on Hand "Restrictions on imports have undoubtedly stimulated our industry for tho time being," said one factory owner. "Orders are heavy up to Christmas, after which thero is a distinct falling off, but demands for high wages are forcing some of us into the uneconomic fulfilment of orders." In several other industries in Auckland many girls are receiving more than award wages. Adult women without experience have been enguged at £2 a week, which is 4s above the basic wage. In tho footwear industry, whero thero is an acute scarcity of girls to meet production needs, somo girls receive more than award wages. It is estimated that 300 mechanists arc employed, but at least 100 more could readily be absorbed. A Oheck to Expansion Expansion in tho footwear industry is thus hampered, and it has held up the practical application of tho scheme of the Minister of Labour, tho Hon. P. C. Webb, to absorb untrained men into the trade under a subsidy scheme, although inquiries from the Placement Services show that a few manufacturers have made application for subsidised labour. These applications will bo considered by the trade apprenticeship committee. Jlr. S. Edwards, president of the Auckland Footwear Manufacturers' Group, stated that the industry was in full sympathy with tho Minister s plan to absorb men from Public Works or subsidised employment but the employment of extra men depended on tho engagement of further female labour, which was not forthcoming. It was proposed to djscuss the position with the Minister. \