THE TRAMWAYS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20574, 16 June 1932, Page 3

THE TRAMWAYS.

NEW AGREEMENT PROPOSED.

LETTER TO UNION

In the proposals for a new agreement submitted by tho Christcliurch Tramway Board to the Tramway Employees' Union, it is suggested that the men should work on a flat hourly rate, instead of at the present rate, less 10 per cent. No provision is made for the continuation of the rationing scheme.

The following letter has been sent to tho secretary of tho Union (Mr E. Snow) by the general manager of the Hoard (Mr Thompson): Tou will note that the 10 per cent, off tho old rates which was tlie order •under the agreement just expired, lias been changed into a fixed basic rate to a similar value as near as possible. During the war, increases .were made irom time to time, based on tho increase in tho cost of living. The increase over pre-war is now down to about 384 per cent. If this increase were to be applied to the pre-war basic rate, the reduction on the present, rates would be a little more than 10 per cent., or, if put into effect, a saving to the Board of about £6500 per annum. The Board does not intend to now apply that reduction, but the union will probably bear in mind the contention when looking at the changes involved in hours of work, Sunday time, and holidays, representing a much smaller amount than the above-mentioned cost of living figures. You will also note that no, provision has been made for the continuation of the rationing scheme. It was denied by a member of the Board that the proposals of the new agreement were air nil drastic. He stated that there had been no alteration in the rate of wages and that the only vital alteration proposed was concerning tho question of paying doubletime on Sundays. There was also a proposal to alter the spread of hours.