INDEPENDENCE OF GIRLS

Southland Times, Issue 23406, 13 January 1938, Page 4

INDEPENDENCE OF GIRLS

Delayed Return To Work WELLINGTON FACTORIES SHORT-STAFFED (Special to The Times) WELLINGTON, January 12. The independence of girl workers has been strikingly demonstrated here since the holidays at the beginning of the year. One big firm employing between 80 and 90 girls in various departments of its manufacturing plants has found that no less than 30 of them have simply failed to return to their work without giving any reason for their disappearance. From some girls the firm received letters stating that they would be some days late in returning. In every case where a girl wrote to state that she would be back at a later date than the day on which work began (Wednesday of last week) her position was held open for her. But on Thursday last 30 girls received letters stating that their positions would be filled.

“We have had this same trouble in a minor way for years past,” said an official of the firm today, “but never in so aggravated a form. . The actions of the girls, however, are not surprising in the present state of industrial discipline. It is almost impossible to reprimand a girl worker today. She will take her injured vanity out of your factory at once and to another employer. Girls know that they are in great demand and that there will be no difficulty in obtaining work. Of course what I say applies more particularly to those on the minimum wage. It is very unfortunate, especially for the girls concerned, for in a few years they will be 21, and will then command a higher wage which they will not receive if they are not worth it, and if the pace of industrial activity slackens in the next few years factory operators will not be inclined to employ girls whose records show that they have been walking out on their jobs.” Another big firm, in the clothing industry and operating half-a-dozen factories, reported that last week one of its factories was working with only 25 per cent, of its staff and today had only 40 per cent. A third firm, according to its managing director, had about 33 percent. of its staff at work on Monday of last week and 80 per cent, today. “This is, of course, very irritating and disorganizes the work of the business,” said the managing director, “but one can see the point of view of the workers concerned. Some of them (the absentees are almost invariably . girls) are skilled workers, and those who make £4 a week on payment by results, undoubtedly work hard. At the end of the year they may feel that they need a break, and there appears to be no doubt that they take one as long as their money allows them to do so. When they return they confess quite frankly that they are ‘broke.’ And there is always a place of employment for a really skilled worker. Women workers in our particular line of business undoubtedly put more into their job than any man.ua! worker on the roads, for instance. It is quite probable that things are worse this year than formerly; that is because there is more money about. Other factors come into the matter, too. The weather has a potent influence on the length of time taken off. A fine summer means a longer holiday.” The owner of a fourth factory employing girls was philosophic about the situation. “We have this trouble year after year,” he said, “and we are used to it now. We have about 80 per cent, of our staff back today and we expect the rest back by the end of the month.”