absent from work

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 4, 6 January 1944, Page 2

absent from work

MANY FACTORY OPERATIVES (P.A.) Wellington, Jan. 5. An unpromising start vvas made in several big Wellington industrial concerns, employing mostly women and girls, when they resumed operations yesterday after the eight-day bleak of three statutory holidays and five extra paid holidays ordered recently by the Government. One firm had 33 per cent, of its female staff absent yesterday. This firm, which has Government contracts, gave extra days before Christmas to employees living away from Wellington, and in other cases granted more' holidays to at least 90 per cent, of those who applied for them. The percentage of absenteeism recorded yesterday makes allowances for those away with permission. Many factories have not resumed w'ork ag2ir», making it too early yet to obtain a comprehensive survey of the after-holidays absentee position. Of eight checked yesterday, five had not resumed, tw'o gave fif*f*tes, and one withheld comment in the metitime. Another factory made it optional for employees to resume on Monday, but required their attendance yesterday. On Monday leu: than 7 per cent, of the workers reported; .yesterday the percentage increased to 10. The proprietor said he went into the city yesterday morning and saw some of the girlo strolling lound doing notaihp absenteeism section of the Tndustrial Manpower Emergency Rcg'.ilat ons aoLdies to ?1 essentia] undertakings, and anv undertakings which may not have been declared essentia) but which the Minister may order to come within the scope of the absenteeism section of the regulations. Absenteeism is broadly defined as absence from work, or persistent lateness, without leave or reasonable excuse. A district manpower officer may, after investigation, impose a penalty of up to two days’ pav and instruct the employer to deduct this from the worker’s wages. If any worker is penalised for two separate offences then he may be taken to Court or. according to the discretion of the manpower officer, again dealt with bv him. Employers are obliged under the regulations to report absentees of four hours of more, or lateness. It appears likely that many employees who have not returned to work and who spent their holidays away from Wellington will plead inability to secure return steamer or rail accommodation.