CALL FOR LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24709, 8 October 1943, Page 2

CALL FOR LABOUR

TBANSFEBS OF STAFF RETAIL TRADES CONCERNED The possible redirection of many workers at a time when traders were approaching the busiest period of the year was viewed with alarm by _ the executive of the Auckland Provincial Drapers and Allied Retailers' Association, when it met yesterday to discuss the manpower situation. Mr. It. Stenbcrg, president of the association, presided.

It was reported that numerous employees had received notice to attend at the manpower office for interview with a view to their being directed to essential industry. It was anticipated that, certain directions would be made, in view of the approaching season for the canning of foodstuffs. . While the meeting expressed willingness to co-operate in every way possible with the manpower authorities, it was felt that if other avenues were fully explored they would yield a large number of the workers required. Girls in the Forces

Tn particular, members suggested that many girls at present serving in the armed forces could be transferred to essential industries without, in any way impairing the efficiency of the Army organisation. One member stated that hundreds of girls had been in. the Army for over two years, and, while their services may have been required on their enlistment owing to the danger which then faced the Dominion, he felt that now many could profitably be employed on essential work Complaint was made by another member of the executive that former emplovees now in uniform were in the habit of calling at their old place of employment and wasting the time of over-worked staffs. A summary showed that staff losses by traders to the armed forces and essential industries were from 30 to 65 per cent of their pre-war staffs.

High Wages Paid It was agreed that great difficulty was experienced in replacing worKers to-day, especially in view of the liifCfi wages paid to male and female employees of various units of the Allied forces in New Zealand. Many of those young women were getting regularly between £5 and £6 a week, whereas other employers were subject to the provisions of the economic stabilisation regulations It was felt that, while some girls may have gone into the Army to avoid being directed into essential industry. t there was no reason why they, with T nivrsitv and Training College students, should not undertake a period of essential work. It was agreed to make representations to the Minister of Armed Forces and War Co-ordination, the Hon. \\. Perry, with a view to minimising the threatened serious effect on retail trades at such an inopportune time.