FORTY-HOUR WEEK

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 52, Issue 3750, 1 May 1936, Page 5

FORTY-HOUR WEEK

NOT SUPPORTED BY BRITAIN. ANSWER AT GENEVA. London, March 14. At this year’s conference of the International Labour Organisation the subject of a 40-hoflr week will be discussed. Its application to iron and steel, building, civil engineering, and Public Works will be opposed by the British Government. The Government’s decision is indicated in a White Paper (Cmd. 5113). The reason for this attitude on the first three industries named is that the position about the maintenance of wages is foggy. Last year the International Labour Organisation adopted a draft convention giving general approval to the principle of the 40-hour week, the intention being that this should be applied to specific industries by separate conventions adopted from time to time. The industries mentioned are on the list for consideration at this year’s conference. The British Government now observes that the general convention laid down that the principle of a 40hour week was to be applied “in such a manner that the standard of living is not reduced in consequence.” This, it says, is lacking in precision and impossible to enforce legally. It further says that this was recognised by the conference, for a resolution was passed pitting the condition more in detail. But this resolution is not binding. Therefore the Government holds that nothing done at Geneva secured the maintenance of earnings as a condition of reduction of hours.