INDUSTRIAL LAWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 123, 26 May 1936, Page 6

INDUSTRIAL LAWS

DISMISSAL OF WORKERS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED MINISTER’S ASSURANCE WELLINGTON May 25. An Intimation that the Government may take drastic stx|ps to deal with employers who are dismissing employees in anticipation of the coming into force of the new industrial legislation was given today by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong). Mr. Armstrong said there were some unscrupulous employers who were attempting to take advantage of their employees, and the Go’»?rnment would not hesitate to pass retrospective legislation if that sort of thing became worse. “The Government,’’ said the Minister, “has been absolutely reasonable in regard to the date on which the legislation is to come into force. Jt, could have adhered to the original date, June .1, but it decided to change it to July 1, to give employers a sort of breathing space, and in the case of the shorter working week it has postponed its operation until September J, to suit the convenience c-f employers.” Complaints Received. The Minister said that already he had received a number of complain;® from workers whose services were being dispensed with by their employers. There was an idea in the minds ot some employers that if they dispensed with the services of young persons employed under the Factories Act, they could re-engage thorn after the Bill became law at 15s a week. He wanted to make it clear that they could not do anything of the kind. The case of* one young man who had matriculated at the age of .16 years was mentioned by the Minister. Owing ’o the slump, he said, this young fellow found it difficult to secure a job, but eventually he obtained one at 10s a week. He was now receiving £1 a week, although he was one of the most highly-educated young fellows in tbo Doininic-n. His employer dernanded n.s resignation and had asked that it be dated before the end of June, because the Shops and Offices Bill would become law on July 1. and the employer was under the impression that llie voting man would then have to- be paid a wage of £4 a week. A Wrong Impression. “As a matter of fact,” said the Minister, “the employer is wrong because the Bill only fixes the minimum rates, starting at 15s a week, and risling to £2 after three years’ service iAn ctnplc-yer who is too miserable U pay a brilliant young man like that £2 la week should not have a licence to be in business at all. “That type of employer is the exception to the rule. 1 think the general run of business men a nil faclot y proprietors are more inclined to be helpful than otherwise. The object of the unscrupulous employer is to do these things before the Bills become law. because they realise that if they wait until afer'.Tuly 1 they will have to give gc.od and sufficient reasons for dispensing with the services of employees. “But if they are not mighty careful they will find that the Government will take drastic measures for dealing with I hem, and will pass retrospective legislation.” _