CONDITIONS OF WORK

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23943, 10 May 1943, Page 4

CONDITIONS OF WORK

PROTEST ENTERED BY RAILWAYMEN

A protest against the hours which railway employees are required to work was made at the monthly meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Engine-drivers’, Firemen’s, and Cleaners’ Association.

The following resolution was carried by the meeting:—“ That we view with alarm the present system under which we are called upon to work shifts running into 16 hours and up to 19 hours continuously on duty, mostly at night. We consider the six days’ annual rest period totally inadequate in view of the abnormal conditions and the strain imposed on locomotive men due to irregular meals, insufficient sleep, and conditions generally. This meeting unanimously implores the Government to give urgent redress to these vital matters, which concern the health of all locomotive men and, incidentally, the efficiency of the chief transport system of the Dominion. We also endorse the resolutions carried by other locomotive branches throughout the Dominion, as recently published.” Concern was also expressed at locomotive crews being called upon to work every alternate Sunday after completing a week of about 54 hours or more.