RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON WORKERS

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 2

RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON WORKERS

REQUEST FOR REMOVAL A decision to appeal to the Government to waive the restrictions on workers during the war, particularly those workers receiving a family allowance or pension, was made at a meeting of the Southland County Council yesterday. The following resolution was

passed:—■ “In view of the war situation and the shortage of labour for industry and primary production, the Southland County Council is of the opinion that restrictions at present placed on workers should be lifted with particular reference to workers in receipt of a family allowance dr a pension.” “Since our last meeting Japan has intervened in the war and there is no doubt that she has got a good bit of her own way,” said the chairman (Mr L. A. Niederer). “We wish to help the Government to do all that is necessary and I am sure the council is only too ready /to do anything at all to meet the situation. Because of the men being called up the labour situation is in a serious way, especially for essential industries.”

■ In view of the labour shortage, said Mr Niederer, it was thought that the penalty on workers with a family was severe and he suggested that it be abolished during the war so that the children’s allowance would riot be affected. The same thing applied to workers receiving pensions, he said. It was felt that the children’s allowance should not be interfered with and that workers should be able to continue their work without fear of any reduction in their existing pensions.