CITIZEN BOBBERS CONCERN.

NZ Truth, Issue 94, 6 April 1907, Page 4

CITIZEN BOBBERS CONCERN.

WHAT EMPLOYEES MUST EXPECT.

If all that is heard of the manner m which Citizen Godber's gourmandising joint is run, as far as the treatment of employees is concerned, is true, it would be just as well if the Shops and Factories' Inspector got to work and inquired if it was not another case for our fellow-townsman to answer m court — not the Arbitration, but the common Police Court. The law stipulates certain times for meals for employees, but at Councillor Godber's cookshop the law is looked upon as a hass, and the employees have to peck whenever they can, and sometimes finish their mid-day meal when most people are thinking of going to bed. Now, since the Arbitration Court fixed " spook " Godber for a breach of an award, our worthy representative m the civic chamber has not been the same man, and to get even with the meddling Union he has decided to reduce his staff,' which, of course, means more work for those singled out for the honor of remaining m his employment. Not that Godber himself has any say m the matter, the missus looks after that, because our councillor can't devote his attention to the city's affairs and his own private business. Still " Goddy " has some sort of a say, and the kind of say he has is illustrated by THE DIRTY ACTION he played on a discharged employee last Thursday week. This employee, a pantryhand, engaged at 15s a week had been given a weeks notice by the missus, and the week ended on Friday. Being Good Friday and the concern being closed for that day, the employee asked to be allowed to make up a week's work and to thus draw a week's pay, but lo and behold her labor for the six days was valued at ten bob, five shillings being deducted for the day she could not work had she so desired. Ah appeal to C'sesar, i.e. Citizen Godber, brought from that Tribune, a hasty growl and a desire not to be bothered, and a refusal to discuss the question with her. Of course five shillings is a big consideration with a hardworking woman, no matter how trivial it may appear to the pastry puff man, and the result is that the woman is bilked out of her dues. No doubt if she took the matter to Court, Godber would be forced to disgorge, but what is the use of going to law over such a trifle. It would probably cost her ten times as much before she got the crown. This will serve to show what intending and present employees need expect and it is just as well that there are Shops »nd Factories Acts and Arbitration Courts to keep such employers m check, otherwise they might pltvy hell.