BOARD GENEROUS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 272, 17 November 1941, Page 8

BOARD GENEROUS

UNION AGREEMENT

INCREASES TO TRAMWAYMEN

The proposed new agreement in respect to wages and conditions of work between the Tramwaymen's Union and the Auckland Transport Board was again before the board this morning, when it was reported that the union had accepted the board's offer with the exception of two minor points and the period in which the agreement was to operate. The board had stipulated for 18 months and the union asked for a period of one year. The board should adhere to its decision to make the agreement for a period of 18 months, said Mr. \V. H. Nagle in moving that the term be for a period of 18 months. In seconding the motion. Mr. R. Armstrong said the board had gone out of its way to make concessions to the men. Mr. J. A. C. Allum said the generous offer of the board should stand. Surely something was due from the union to the board. If the men were allowed to have their way it would mean that the agreement would run out in about 10 months' time, on September 30 next. It was necessary to make agreements for as long a period as possible in the present circumstances.

The Arbitration Court in two recent judgments had made the term of awards two years, Mr. Nagle said. There was provision under the law for periodical reviews in the light of the cost of living. Motormen and conductors had been given under the proposed agreement a rise of approximately 4/ a week._ It meant increased costs of about 25 per cent to the board. If the men s proposal were adopted it meant that in se\ en months the agreement would again be before the board, as the union had the right to bring its case up for consideration three months before the expiry date of an agreement. The chairman, Mr. J. Sayegh, said his only objection was that the men might reject the agreement if it were for more than a year. Not Afraid "I am not a bit afraid whether thev accept the agreement or not," said Mr. A. S. Bailey. The board had been most generous in dealing with the union. If the members of the union did not recognise what had been done for them it would be better to go to arbitration. The Chairman: It is a matter of opinion. I do not see why they should not be generously treated, i Mr. Allum: The board came to an agreement and I seek to uphold it. Mr. Armstrong said nobody could have it all his own way all the time. The men had been placed in a "happy state" by the decision of the board. Mr. Nagle: We want reasonable stability. The board agreed to its previous, decision that the term be for 18 months.

The two minor points—and the chairman considered these would not be pressed-—involved certain shiftmen in the- overhead department who asked for an additional 2/ a shift, and the term for conductors' "over and under" balances. These were now adjusted every week the men asking that the period be three months. 1