WAGE INCREASE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 285, 2 December 1941, Page 6

WAGE INCREASE

DEMAND TO STATE

CITY RAILWAYMEN

DIRECT ACTION THREAT

Demanding an immediate increase in wages of at least sixpence an hour to meet the higher cost of living, Auckland railwaymen have decided that if no reply is received before December 15 "definite action suitable to the demands" will be taken by the combined railway unions of Auckland with a membership of 3000.

The meeting was held in the railway social hall at Newmarket, which was filled to capacity. It was explained that the purpose was "to register resentment at the apathy of the Government in procrastinating for many months over the demands made by the men for a substantial increase in wages and salaries to meet the high cost of commodities."

The chairr*:an was Mr. J. Shepherd, and the speakers elected by the four organisations represented were: Mr. Cleverly (R. 0.1.), Mr. L. Wheatley (T.A.), Mr. McLennan and Mr. J. Elliott (A.S.R.S.). and Mr. C. G. Harris (E.F. and C.A.)/ Their remarks were warmly applauded.

It was pointed out that the members of the service executives had made repeated requests at intervals since last February, both to the management and the Minister of Railways, Mr. Sullivan, for relief by way of a wage increase, but so far had failed signally.

Some of those present suggested taking direct action and others advocated a "go-slow" policy to focus public attention on the question. The railwaymen of Wanganui sent a lengthy telegram assuring united support in any action taken at Auckland.

The following motion was carried unanimously, and is to be sent to the four general secretaries for presentation to the Minister immediately, with the request that a reply be sent before December 15. Failing this, definite action suitable to the demands would be taken by the combined unions of Auckland. _ '

"That this combined meeting of the four railway unions, comprising approximately 3000 members locally, representing all gradings and callings, demands immediate action by the Government to increase our wages at least sixpence per hour. Many railwaymen are living in circumstances which reflect gravely on the Government's failure to adjust our economic position to meet the extremely high cost of living. If it is necessary to expend revenue of approximately £1,300,000 per week on the smashing of Hitlerite Germany and the preservation of democracy, of which we heartily approve, surely it is equally reason-" able to spend a much smaller amount on the preservation of the homes and families of the railwaymen. We therefore demand our four secretaries and executive councils immediately to make urgent representations to the Minister of Railways demanding increase in wages as

It was stated by one of the railwaymen that the meeting was the largest gathering ever assembled since the 1924 strike.