WELCOMED BY WORKERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 64, 17 March 1942, Page 4

WELCOMED BY WORKERS

DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL TRIBUTE TO MR. FLETCHER (P.A.) Wellington. March 16. The New Zealand Workers’ Union and the General Labourers’ National Federation. two of the largest workers’ organisations affected by the Defence Works Council, in a statement declaring that they are wholeheartedly behind the intensive war effort, say the majority of these works will bo “offensive construction works," and the workers conccrnea will welcome the incisive drive now afoot for the culmination of efforts which have engaged them since thn outbreak of war. The extension of hours to 54 weekly is not new. The men on these and similar works have shown inspiring willingness to work extended hours and have already been working heavy additional hours which no overtime rates could fully recompense. Quiet ly and efficientiy this work has gone on and in some cases continuously lor 24 hours daily. The statement, commends the appointment of Mr. Fletcher as Commissioner of the Construction Council, adding that the present situation warrants the powers granted him. “Mr. Fletcher has cut himself adriP. from business connections and offered ; his services free to the country. This , gesture weighs greatly with us. We al o appreciate iiis bustling, get-on-with-t he-job efficiency. W‘ a ill g» t behind him and give him hone t support in a task ot terrific magnitude." The announcement respecting wages and conditions is described as clarifying a chaotic situation and th • guaranteed minimum of £5 5s weekly is welcomed. "This principle has been of outstanding moment to building construction workers for years These workers offer their services continuously, day in and out, and yet they heretofore have been denied the right of any security other than for hours worked. As the industry is subject to weather and other fluctuations the lack of any minimum guarantee has caused much discontent and needless hardship. The workers do not claim wages for not working, but have repeatedly pointed out that the hourly basis of payment has not been an inducement to employers properly to organise their operations so as to avoid blank payweeks. Mr. Fletcher has signalled his entry with a full face-up to this problem and in a few hours has ended a century-old canker. The minimum guarantee will not be abused but will prove a gilt-edged investment for all concerned. “A recital of the achievements in building construction and civil engineering undertakings since the outbreak of the war in the face of colossal problems would make an inspiring saga. It. would also be of great value to the enemy. An outline of the woi k in hand would electrify the general public but would also assist the enemy, so information respecting details must, for the present be undisclosed.” “We are at a stage when our effort means the reality of making possible a determined factual offensive against the Japanese menace. Our efforts will not be motivated by fear or panic. We are determined to make it possible to hurl effective defiance at the enem' To this end we gladly welcome conditions which we would not tolerate under ordinary circumstances. Wo will continue to tackle our responsibilities as free citizens of a free nation in a manner emphasising determination to remain free.” The statement concludes: ‘‘We also welcome and endorse the total effort being made in organising to Ihe full the labour energy of the nation. We Ho not desire to enter in a recriminatory recital of the attacks made on us by self-appointed critics who neither ‘reap nor spin.’ We do, however, feel that the general mobilisation of the labour power of the nation will bring alongside us some of those easy-chair critics, and we will gladl.y welcome their assistance to carry out the job in hand. It will also, we hope, bring to them a realisation that while they have been talking we have been doing. We trust that, now the call is made to them they will respond to assist in the supreme effort necessary.” The statement was authorised by Messrs. R. Eddy (president) and A. Cook (secretary ) for the New Zealand Workers’ Union, and Messrs. L. Glover (president! and P. M. Butler (secretary) for the General Labourers’ National Federation.