RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 51, 29 February 1916, Page 9

RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Writing for the Auckland porters, I would like to disillusion the public (who are our employers) as to the many "advantages" railwaynien enjoy. Speaking for the 9/- per day man, it has been stated we have thirteen days off on full pay per year. Granted; but it must not be forgotten 'we work 48 hours per week, while outsiders average about 45, and never more than 47 hours. We therefore make up at least one week of our allotted thirteen days, and, again, we must work every day throughout the year, including Christmas Day and Good Friday. We are liable to be called on duty any hour, day or night, and receive no extra pay (i.e., nothing further than our 9/-). Then the pin pricks. One arrives on duty five minutes late (often the fault of a ferry boat or tramcar), which is met with a fine of five shillings. Undercharges are made daily by even the most experienced guards in issuing passenger tickets upon trains, so it will be readily understood how we inexperienced porters fare. Such undercharges are deducted from our wages, while occasional overcharges are not credited us. Then, again, from our 9/- there is 10/10 per month deducted for superannuation. Often we are given forty-eight hours' notice of a .transfer, which necessitates breaking"lip oUr'liiqifces,. parting from, relations, friends, and all we hold dear. We porters are satisfied to throw ourselves upon the mercy of public opinion, and feel confident if our case is put truthfully before our employers (the public) we will be given a "square deal" at last.—l am, etc.,