LOCOMOTIVE MEN'S PROTEST

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 66, 19 March 1931, Page 13

LOCOMOTIVE MEN'S PROTEST

1 The stand' that more thruv their share of the burden of ■ economies :is being carried by them is taken; up by the executive council of the Locomotive Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners'" As; soeiatiou," ■ and supported 'by all branches. ■■: . : .'■ .- ~ ... ; ■ '; •

'While recognising that the country was passing:through an .economic depression, and that the railway industry was'declining due to a competitive system'of transport,.the methods adopted by the Prime Minister, are criticised.: ;v : --■--■- '~•/.': ..-; ■■.'■; ••',.■... , ' The Council of the Association states.• —"The -1930 -economies reduced the locomotive, men's earnings, by -approximately £85,000, and a further. 10 per cent, cut as proposed would save £57,----000, making a total of approximately £142,000y which makes an average redtiction of £71 per member per annum, and making: a total of 25. per cent, reduction; in comparison with the .10 per cent.'to be inflicted by the Government, on all Public servants," states, the council.. "We consider that there is no equality of sacrifice in the proposals of- the Government..-The organisation takes up a definite attitude on any further deductions, which will be resolutely opposed in defence 'of their standards, which should bo> maintained at a fate commensurate with tho services rendered -to the -community. It is contended that locomotive men have carried, more than their share of the burden of economies, '.and-will fight against any further attempt to reduce wages or -impair;-conditions." . : .'. ■