AWARD UNVARIED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21244, 15 October 1940, Page 2

AWARD UNVARIED

MORE EVIDENCE ASKED I EXTENDED HOURS OF WORK? HAMILTON FIRM’S REQUEST Further correspondence on the subject of extended hours of work to increase production has passed between the Hamilton firm of A. M. Bisley and Company, Limited, and the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb. The firm asked for a ruling whether its staff, which was willing, should be allowed to work 45 instead of 40 hours a week at standard rates of pay in an effort to increase production. The Industrial Emergency Council has not yet agreed to meet the request. "Your representations lor an extension of working hours from 40 to 45 a week at ordinary rates of pay have been considered by the hours committee of the Industrial Emergency Council,” wrote Mr Webb. ‘‘The committee gave the matter considerable attention and now advises me that in the absence of any" evidence in support of your application the recommendation is that the award should not be varied at the present juncture. This intimation is not to be interpreted as a refusal of your application, which will receive further consideration if and when evidence in support of the need for the variation is forthcoming.” Response To Appeals "We would ask you to pardon us for repeating that this application is in consequence for your Government’s many stirring appeals for increased production and the desire ol this company and of our men to comply with these appeals,” the firm replied. “Our workshops are staffed with a very fine body of men who have given to this company and to the company’s customers most satisfactory and efficient service.

"We contend that there is no way of obtaining increased output so essential to the farmers of this district during the coming harvesting except by working longer hours, and in this matter our men, we feel sure, are in entire agreement. We have the plant and the raw material necessary for moie work of assembling, manufacturing and repairing harvesting machinery than we can possibly carry out in the standard hours. Our difficulties are being accentuated by late arrivals ol steel and imported timbers, thus making extra hours of work essential to this business, if the goods in question are to be supplied in time lor the coming season. “If we are not able to work these hours and so are unable to supply, there must be a great loss to a large number of farmers, with a consequent fall in production so essential and vital to our Empire in this houi of peril. We know that the committee of the Industrial Emergency Council has considered our previous application and advised you that in the absence of evidence in support of our application the recommendation is that the award should not be varied at the present juncture. We would, in view of what has been said already, and in view of the evidence so far submitted, ask you what evidence you would like to have submitted and which, in your opinion, might be expected to weigh with the tribunal.”