MINISTER REPLIES TO CRITICISM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 189, 13 August 1941, Page 7

MINISTER REPLIES TO CRITICISM

40-HOUR WEEK UPHELD COMMENTS AT PATEA COUNTY MEETING "PENALTY ON INCREASED PRODUCTION’’ I “New Zealand is the only coun- i try in the Empire with a 40-hour week,” commented Cr. F. K. ■ Pearce, at the monthly meeting of ! the Patea County Council yester- j day, when a letter was received from the Minister of Labour, Hon. H. T. Armstrong, replying to criticism. The Patea County recently supported the Lake County Council when, in a circular letter to all local bodies, it urged an increase in working hours as a war measure. Steps had already been taken by the Government to remove obstacles which might tend to hamper industry in its application to the national war effort as far as hours of work were concerned, the Minister stated. The position was being watched very closely and if further action was considered necessary, or desirable, prompt action would be taken. Basis of Protests The chairman, Cr. W. G. Belton, said one or two important points in the Minister's reply were really the btsis of protests against existing conditions. Not many people were quibbling about the 40-hour week, but the rates which must be paid for work in excessof 40 hours had caused complaints. Cr. Bellon added that he did not think there was another country in the British Empire where overtime rates were higher. In New Zealand they imposed a penalty on increased production. When present awards were framed more men were available than jobs, but since the outbreak of war the position had been reversed. Cr. F. K. Pearce said the basis of looking at the position in New Zealand was very different from in other parts of the Empire. It appeared desirable that certain points should be brought to the attention of those who advocate the abolition of the 40-hour week as an essential factor in assisting the war effort, and to point out that provision had been made to lift the restrictions on working hours in industries which played a direct and vital part in war production, commented the Minister. In the first place, the Arbitration Court was given power to extend the weekly hours where it was considered impracticable to work a 40-hour week. Many awards provided for a 44-hour week and even greater hours, and there was no prohibition of extended hours being worked provided overtime rates were paid, as was being done in many industries. Minister’s Comparison The position in New Zealand was no different from that existing in other parts of the British Commonwealth, for even in Great Britain overtime rates were paid for time worked in excess of the ordinary hours, stated the Minister. The Industrial Emergency Council had already recommended variation of conditions in respect of 13 industries, in some cases by a straight-out extension of hours, and in others by provision for the working of shifts, thus removing the I payment of special overtime rates. The recommendations had been the unanimous decision of the council representative of employers and workers.

The Minister stressed the need for greater co-operation and goodwill that the most effective use of all resources could be obtained. Where longer hours were necessary no obstacle should be placed in the way. That did not mean, however, that payment should not be made to the workers for any extended hours, and the mere removal of the 40-hour week would not in itself increase production.