MEN’S PROTEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 223, 21 September 1936, Page 6

MEN’S PROTEST

WANT SATURDAY HOLIDAY ARAMOHO CHEMICAL WORKS EMPLOYEES TAKE MORNING Oi l As i protest at having to work on Saturdays, men employed at Messrs. Kempthorne, Prosser's cheinieU works, Aramoho, did not turn jp for duty on Saturday morning. The decision not to work was made on Friday and was in keeping with action taken in Auckland. In certain industrial spheres employers have obtained the right to work 40 or 41 hours on a six-day week, while in other cases the period of work has been limited to live days. Messrs. Kemplhornc, Prosser’s works at Aramoho. in keeping with instructions issued from head office, have adhered to the six-day week in accord with permission of the Court. In not turning up to work on Saturday the men have registered a protest against the six-day week and have made representations lo the proper quarter to have conditions altered. Facilities for operating the works were available as usual on Saturday morning and the foreman was on duty at the appointed time, but no men appeared and operations were suspended for the day. It is understood that the matter is receiving the attention of the firm’s head office, but it is one which is definitely wrapped up with legislative policy. One of those closely associated with the decision not to work on Saturday said that the men's case was a simple one. “If there is to be no work on a. Saturday : n conformity with the fortyhour week, we are as much entitled to it as anybody,” he said. It is anticipated that, as yet, the trouble will not operate further than Saturday and that the week’s work, as from this morning, will be carried on as usual.