HOURS OF WORK

Southland Times, Issue 25311, 14 June 1935, Page 7

HOURS OF WORK

DEADLOCK AT GENEVA INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE EMPLOYERS’ ATTITUDE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Geneva, June 12. A deadlock at the International Labour Conference was caused by the refusal of the employers’ delegates to take part in the committee stage on the 40-hour week question. The representatives of the Australian, New Zealand, and South African employers were most active in a strong movement to secure reconsideration of the employers’ decision. Mr Cornwell, representing the New Zealand workers, contended' that the attitude of the employers’ delegates did not represent many New Zealand employers. They awaited a lead from Britain, but her present attitude stultified progressive social legislation throughout the world. If employers did not consider flesh and blood besides profits the workers would be inclined to seek an example from Russia. The deadlock was the outcome of the adoption by 54 votes to 49—much to Labour’s surprise—of Labour’s blanket resolution favouring a general convention based on the principle of a 40-hour week, with maintenance of the standard of living, such a convention constituting the framework in which different industries would .be placed. A two-third’s majority, however, is necessary to' secure adoption of a general convention. Moreover, the vote would entail drafting a convention which must be discussed prior to those relating to the five industries within the framework. The first reading might occur in 1935 and a vote on it in 1936. . . It was eventually decided to ask the Labour Office to submit a practicable draft resolution on June 13.