"SPECIAL LEAVE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 264, 7 November 1931, Page 21

"SPECIAL LEAVE."

TRANSPORT MEN'S SACRIFICE

ALTRUISTIC SPIRIT

VOLUNTARY RATIONING SYSTEM,

By taking what is known as "special leave," many members of the staff of the Auckland Transport Board—drivers and conductors on trams and buses— have put into effect a system of voluntary rationing of work. It was mentioned to-day by Mr. A. E.. Ford, manager of the Transport Board, that between 700 and 800 men were employed in various capacities and that a. gratifyingly large percentage of them had agreed to a suggestion that, in cases where such a course Avas possible, special leave, without pay, should be taken. Mr. Ford said that periods of leave would range up to as much as three months; in some cases.

An active member of the Transport Workers' Union, Mr. H. W. Parker, wrote to the "Star" to-day as follows: "I wish to place on record my appreciation of the splendid voluntary sacrifice which if> being made by some of the senior traffic men in an effort to give the junior men, if not full time, at least part time each week. This voluntary sacrifice is taking' ! the form of 'special leave,' which, if rationing had been adopted as the principle by all, would not have been necessary. The burden would have been equally borne by everyone and no one would have been retrenched. Unfortunately, this humane principle was defeated by a secret ballot. However, in order that their unfortunate mates may be given some work, there are now many traffic men pledging themselves to take extra holiday leave. "This number is steadily increasing. I, as one of the retrenched men, take strong exception to the sweeping assertions made by some writers in the correspondence columns of the 'Star' which would convey the impression that the tramwaymen are a lot of selfish fellows, bereft of sentiment and human feeling. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the men who have been retrenched, but who, fortunately, will be re-engaged next week as a result of the generous spirit shown, to thank them very sincerely. Hearty thanks are also due to the executive of the Transport Workers' Union for the work they have done on our behalf."

Appreciation of the work of the union executive is also expressed by the seven conductors who complained, last week, that they had been put off on account of'rationing not being acceptable to the union. They now wish it to be known that they are now to get a few clays' work each week instead of being put off. After 12 months' satisfactory service, employees of the Transport Boa.rd ?„rc entitled to 14 days' leave each" year on full pay, plus three days' good conduct leave. A3 already stated, special leave is taken without pay.