RAILWAYMEN’S HOURS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21905, 5 October 1936, Page 10

RAILWAYMEN’S HOURS

INTRODUCTION OF SHORTER WEEK GENERAL MANAGER’S SURVEY (PHESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, October 4. The Railway Department’s attitude to the 40-hour week for first division men was explained by the general manager, Mr G. H, Mackley, speaking at the annual reunion of the Auckland branch of the Railway Officers’ Institute. Mr Mackley referred to the advantage of the continuous employment railwaymen enjoyed and quoted figures to show the progress in wages since 1911. Introducing the 40-hour week was a big task and would cost £289,000 this year, in addition to £197,000 for wage restorations. It had never been understood that the 40hour week was to be introduced in the first year. Although the first division had not got it completely, they were getting it as quickly as possible. Of 3000 first division men, 1800 were now enjoying the 40-hour week or less.! Second division men were in a different position as they were paid a i an hourly rate. They were not being paid overtime as such for hours worked more than 40. First division men enjoyed double annual leave, sick pay, and other privileges as compared with the second division. The institute’s/ representatives had been asked to come back in- six months. He asked them to be patieni and he was sure they were losing nothing. In the meantime, regrading that had been awaited for some time was being gone into. While he could make no promises he would see ii something could not be done in this year’s classification to help out sonic of those at the top of Grade 7. Speaking of the results of the year’s working to date he said more than half of the estimated revenue increase had been obtained in 24 weeks, and there was every reason tc expect that the department’s budgeted interest payment would be more thar reached.