AFTER MILITARY SERVICE

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 81, 11 July 1941, Page 4

AFTER MILITARY SERVICE

Civil Reinstatement

ALLEGED BREACHES INVESTIGATED

Sixty-seven cases of alleged failure to reinstate workers in their employment at the termination of their military service or during leave without pay from military service have been investigated so far and a further 31 cases are now under action, according to a statement made yesterday .by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb. The Minister said he was pleased that employers generally .had complied with the provisions .of the Occupational Re-establishment Emergency Regulations, which required them to reinstate their workers on the completion of military service, either in the-Teritorials oi overseas.

“Of the 07 cases investigated proceedings were taken in' 14 cases,” said Mr. Webb. “In eight of these convictions were recorded and six cases were dismissed or withdrawn for various reasons. Wages totalling £sl/0/6 were ordered to be paid to workers. Fifty-three cases were dealt with by the department without recourse to Court'proceedings, 22 by the reinstatement of the worker, and seven by other action (including payment of wages during period of unemployment). In the remaining 24 cases no action was taken for various reasons such as that no breach was disclosed, or that the worker requested that no action be taken. ’

“There were six cases in which employees had been dismissed within six months of their reinstatement in civil employment. In two cases the worker was reinstated on representations being made to the employer by the department. In the remaining four cases no action was taken, as it was considered that there had been no breach by the employer.

Dismissal Before Service.

"There were 14 complaints of workers having been dismissed before starting military service for the reason that the employers were attempting to avoid their obligations under the regulations. In one case Court proceedings were taken,'but were dismissed on the ground that the action had not been brought within the statutory period. In one case the worker was reinstated. In another the worker desired no further action. In two cases alternative employment was found. Another case was settled by payment of wages. In two other cases the worker had been dismissed for good reason. In six cases no action was taken as no breach was disclosed.

“In addition to the cases I have quoted there are 31 cases now under action.

It is possible that changes may have taken place rendering it impossible to reinstate a person after completion of his military service. The regulations provide for such cases. The department has carefully investigated any complaint of non-observance of the regulations and has endeavoured to remove any grievance without, recourse to Court proceedings, as the statement I have given will show.”