WORKER CONTROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23527, 16 June 1938, Page 12

WORKER CONTROL

MAID AND MISTRESS EMPLOYERS SEEK TESTIMONIALS OUTCOME OF LABOUR SHORTAGE (Special to Daily Times) ' CHRISTCHURCH, June 15. It has been so difficult to obtain cooks and maids that certain farmers’ wives in Canterbury have adopted the practice of obtaining references from girls leaving their employ, testifying to their good qualities as employers. They claim that only in this way can they persuade girls that it is reasonably pleasant work for them. The shortage of domestic workers has been so acute that great bargaining power in the domestic labour market has swung into the workers’ hands. One result is that housewives who are unpleasant to their workers or unfairly exacting in their demands are quickly singled out and avoided. In few homes now does the old, very formal relationship between mistress and maid exist.

The government of the kitchen is no longer autocratic, rights having been very definitely established for the worker, even in the absence of a domestic workers’ award. To protect themselves from the fate of bad employers in the labour market, several farmers’ wives have obtained testimonials from girls leaving them. Set out below are two references obtained by the wife of a prominent Canterbury pastoralist from hei workers. Except for the substitution of “ Mrs X. ” in place of the name of the employer, the wording is as it was set down by the workers. Two Testimonials “To whom it may concern,—This is to state that I worked for six years for Mrs X. and only left as I married. Mrs X. is most considerate and thoughtful and so are all the family, making her place a good home for any girl. The work in the kitchen is exceptionally easy, and I found that I was always glad of a chance to go back and relieve after I was married. Altogether I can thoroughly recommend the position in the kitchen or the housemaid’s, and, should any applicant feel like more information, I should be pleased to give it.” “To whom it may concern. This is to certify that I was in Mrs X’s employ as a cook for 18 months. I only left to take up a position nearer my home. I always found her a thoughtful and considerate mistress.” “ Doesn’t Fly Into Tempers ” A testimonial given to another country employer reads: “To whom it may concern. I have the greatest pleasure in testifying to the good qualities of Mrs A as a mistress. I have worked for her for two years and am leaving now, not because I have had any row, but I am getting married. Mrs A is very reasonable. She doesn’t fly into tempers like so many mistresses and she never minds giving me a night off when I like it, every week. She helps me when she can and we get on well. I have much pleasure in giving this testimonial to anyone wishing a reasonable employer.” An organisation of city and country women, known as the Household Service Campaign Committee, has been working for some time on the terms of a contract to be entered into between mistress and maid. This contract, the details of which will be completed shortly, sets down the rules to be observed by reasonable employers and good workers.