FORTY-FOUR-HOUR WEEK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21990, 27 June 1933, Page 8

FORTY-FOUR-HOUR WEEK

NEW SOUTH WALES DECISION UNIONS PLEASED. / '' , : (From Odr Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, June 15. The decision of the Pull Bench Of the Industrial Commission of New South Wales that the standard working week for the State should be 44 hours came as a surprise to both employers and the unions. So far the commission has refrained from stating its reasons, and these are awaited with interest. It is felt that the commission must have been impressed with the arguments put forward by the unions in favour of a shorter week because there is so much unemployment. The unions contended that it was not logical to provide for 48 hours when so many men were unable to obtain any work at all. The commission has not had time to traverse the arguments that were put forward at the inquiry, but felt that its general announcement should not be longer delayed. When the last Labour Premier (Mr Lang) was dismissed from office the standard hours for the State was 44 a week, having been reduced from 48 by legislation. The present Government held that the fixing of hours was not a matter for the Parliament,' and reappointed the Industrial Commission of three for the express purpose of considering hours and wages. While it must bo admitted that the unions did not, score over the wages question, they • have jhud a signal victory as far as hours are concerned, and the unions acclaim the latest decision as a vindication of the judgment of Mr Lang. Still the unions are not satisfied. More than one union official has. expressed disappointment because the commission did not see fit to make the hour per week 40. He said that most of the men in work to-day were working only 30 hours a week and were being paid accordingly. However, the decision has exploded at least out fallacy —that the commission was appointed by the Stevens Government for the express purpose of increasing the working week. Employers are not anxious to discuss the decision until the full reasons for it are given, but they point out that New South Wales industries will be at a distinct disadvantage as far as tho other States are concerned, for in all those other States the ruling hours arc 48. It is said that it will bo difficult for New South Wales manufacturers to compete with those of other States, who will be able to turn out cheaper goods. It is noteworthy in this connection that the commission has reserved the right for many industries to apply to it for a revision of the hours judgment. _ This is taken to mean that the commission will be willing to grant exemptions from the 44-hour week should special reasons for this be given. Therefore, if an employer can show that he will be adversely affected by the institution of 44 hours instead of 48, he may bo permitted to require his employees to work the longer period. Unless it secures exemptions the -14hour week will fall heavily on the State, especially in tho management of tho railways. The enforcement of the shorter week will mean additional »-x----penditure of more than £400,000 a year. The Government has not yet announced its policy, but it is difficult to see tow it can disregard the dicisions of its own tribunals.