LABOUR AND MATERIAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10560, 10 April 1920, Page 10

LABOUR AND MATERIAL

THE FURNITURE TRADE OPINION OF EMPLOYERS AND UNION SECRETARY. Recently it was announced that there was a general go-slow policy on the pari of employees, and it was specfically stated that some furnishers and cabinetmakers had stated that they had never been so short of stocks as at the present time, and also that it would take them from three to six months to deal even with the orders on hand. Shortage of timber was hold to be the main cause of the trouble, another factor being the recent shortening of hours worked by the men in the cabinetmaking trade. It was also stated that employers interviewed declared that tho men were now working slower than ever, although they had only a five-day week, and that they frequently took six or seven hours longer over a job than previously. The above remarks formed the subject of inquiry by a “Times” reporter yesterday, for-the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the alleged “goslow” policy prevailed in Wellington. NO SHORTENING OF HOURS. The manager of one of tho largest furnishing and cabinetmaking firms in New Zealand was seen regarding tno position. He denied the statement that tile hours of cabinetmakers and upholsterers had been shortened in Auckland. “There lias not been any shortening of hours during the last six years in Auckland to my knowledge.” he said, “and I framed the last award in that city.” If there has been such a shortening as a five-day week, then it has been conceded by tho employers themselves.

“As to the timber shortage, I cannot imagine a large or reputable firm running short of seasoned timber. Our firm and others I know of, before the war, invested large amounts of money in timber, as we all knew that without the necessary timber, which constitutes the backbone of a cabinetmaking business, wo would be ruined. Now we have in stock more timber than was the case before the war. Tho men are going no slower than before the war, but of course they arc fully awaro of the fact that the demand is far greater than the supply, and do not hurry.” “Cabinetmakers, woodworkers and upholsterers in Wellington foe] that they would like to have the Saturday morning free.” ho said, “but they would be prepared to make up their time, and work the 44-hour week.” Mr M. J. REARDON’S VIEWS.

“This statement is'one that has been cropping up at intervals during my fourteen years' connection with the Labour movement,” was the remark of Mr 31. J. Reardon, secretary of the New Zealand Freezing Employees’ Federation, when asked for an opinion on the matter. “Sometimes till© yarn is varied- a little by saying that the quality of tho workers is not up to standard. I can remember, about seven years ago, that statement coming from a London meat trader with reference to the quality of tho workmanship of New Zealand slaughtermen. Mr Edward Tregear, who was at the time head of the Labour Department in New Zealand, immediately communicated with the whole of the employers of the freezing industry of the Dominion, and du no case could he gain any evidence to prove the foundation of the statement emanating from London. It is probably true, however, that owing to scarcity of labour, there are a number of in efficient workers .employed in the many departments and spheres of industry, but in the main they are the same men operating now who -were employed before the war. They are just as honest and painstaking in their work npw,” Mr Reardon continued, “and I do not know of an instance where the honest and conscientious worker of five years ago has changed his principles, in the direction indicated.” Of course in cases of industrial disputes, such a state of affairs has occurred, but only of a temporary nature.

“Statements reflecting on the work of members of (say) the freezing industry, with which I am associated, cannot possibly be true, because tho men are, in the main, pieceworkers, and if anything tho position would be in the opposite direction.” MR PRYOR TO INVESTIGATE. Mr W. Pryor secrota.-y of the New -Zealand Employers’ Federation, had little to say when the complaint was referred to him. “I have no actual knowledge of the position as alleged, afid if the cabinetmakers are working a five-day week, then it is simply by local arrangement. However, I am going to investigate tho position.”