HOLIDAYS WITH PAY DEFENDED BY MINISTER

Otaki Mail, 15 December 1943, Page 1

HOLIDAYS WITH PAY DEFENDED BY MINISTER

MR. WEBB CLAIMS SUPPORT 01'

EMPLOYERS WELLINGTON,' Dee. 13. The Minister of Labour (Hon. P. C. Webb) said today that Saturday’s statement by the secretary of the Employers’ Federation concerning the industrial Rest Period Emergency Regulations conveyed a wrong impression and also contained several misstatements regarding the effect of the regulations. Mr. Webb said it was well known that workers’ organisations had endeavoured for years to obtain the provision of annual holidays with pay. it was estimated that 153,000 workers covered by awards and industrial agreements received annual holidays o* from 5 to 14 days and in some cases three weeks. Approximately 72,000 workers had no such provision although a large proportion of the 72,000 would receive holidays voluntarily granted by the employers during the Christmas period. A number of employers of large concerns had told him that prior to a issue of the regulations that they proposed to grant such paid holidays although they were not bound to do so. Having regard to the relatively small number of workers who would not enjoy a paid rest at Christmas time compulsorily or voluntarily, the figure of £750,000 wages increase quoted was grossly overstated. Mr. Webb also denied that a breach of the Stabilisation Regulations would result as section three of the Emergency Regulations Act 1939 provided full power to make such emergency regulation as might be found necessary for maintaining essential services and generally for safeguarding the interests and welfare of the community. Apart from industrial fatigue it was well known to the Employers’ Federation and employers generally that the situation this year was causing considerable unrest among workers throughout the Dominion both on account ot the loss of paid special holidays due to the incidence of Christmas and New Year's Days and also because of the prolonged strain due to the war effort. Since the regulations were issued he had received messages from employers welcoming the definite break which brought all workers into line. Moreover, before making the announcement he personally attended a conference ot workers and employers’ organisations and fully stated the Government’s intentions before the regulations were either signed or announced.