OBJECTION TO "CUT."

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 51, 2 March 1931, Page 9

OBJECTION TO "CUT."

RAILWAY LOCO. MEN. « ALREADY SUFFERED SEVERELY." STRIKE BALLOT SUGGESTED. The Helcnsville branch of the New Zealand Engineers, Firemen and Cleaners' Association, at a special meeting yesterday, unanimously decided that Helensville members should stand by any action that the executive council deemed it advisable to take to combat interference with the working conditions of locomotive men, and also the 10 per cent reduction in wages. It was suggested that a ballot be taken to test the feeling of members as to whether or not the E.F.C.A. go out on strike in the event of a 10 per cent cut. The branch decided to point out to the public and members of Parliament that the locomotive men have already suffered severely by the Department's action in utilising all-night rates, over-

time rates, and double-time rates in making up the working week, as such action, they contend, really equals a reduction in wages of 15 per cent. Furthermore, owing to the falling off of traffic, bigger engines and heavier loads, the promotion of locomotive men has practically ceased, and acting-men, who have been doing advanced work, have been reduced in status, with a corresponding reduction in pay. Whereas members in the first division receive annual increments in their salaries, irrespective of the work offering, members of the locomotive branch receive no increases unless they are doing the advanced work. There are members who were doing more advanced work five years ago than they are doing now. It must also be understood (says the branch] that the men on the footplate are carrying far greater responsibilities to-day than previously, owing to the introduction of automatic signals, larger engines and longer trains, inferior coal and the pooling system of engines, and faster time-tables. The losses in the working account of the railways should not be a burden on the locomotive men when it is realised that the railways are carrying manures free for the farmers and mail matter equal to £100,000 of freight, free, for the Post Office,