RAILWAYMEN'S PROTEST.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18185, 23 September 1924, Page 5

RAILWAYMEN'S PROTEST.

LONG RESOLUTION DRAWN UP. On Sunday morning the Trades Hall was the scene of a meeting of shunters and goods yard men, whan the majority decision of the Railway Board regarding the rate of pay for employees working on night shift was considered. The following resolution, to bo presented to the leaders of the Reform, Liberal and Labour Parties, was drawn up: — . That this meeting of the (Jhnstchurch shunters and' goods yard staff draw attention of members of Parliament to that part of tho Railway Board's proposal which provides for work performed during the night betweon the hours of 10 p.m. and G a.m. to bo paid for at ordinary rates, and now paid-for at rate and a-quarter. We aopeal tc members to revoke this decision for the following reasons: — That when an employee is called upon to work during the night his household expenses are increased. That the mental and physical strain imposed, upon shunters during the night is such that he should get extra remuneration. "That no matter what the climatic condition might be, the'work of shunters must Ije carried on..

That we would esoeciajly draw attention to the dangerous work performed by shunters and their assistants. That the? greater part of shunting operations is carried on in the Christchurch yards at night,' end that in the interests of" all concerned men who carry out this class of work should receive some extra compensation. That while we believe that the loss of the" eight-hour day and the 44-hour week is unjust, we look to Parliament to retain the penal rate for night work so as to minimise the injustice that ia ahout to ho imposed upon an important section of railway workers.