Staff decision deferred

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 6

Staff decision deferred

I Waimairi County councillors last evening decided to adopt a wait-and-see attitude regarding the employment of Tunnel Authority staff who may become redundant in April when the tunnel is taken over by the Government.

The proposal had been put j originally that local authorities should find jobs for the I tunnel staff, but it was noted that only one possible position could be made available at present — that of a custodian-cashier at. the Sawyers Arms rubbish tip. The only other vacancies the county has at present are for a mechanic and, in due course, drivers. “It may be.” the committee said in recommending that the matter be held in abeyance, “that the local authori-

ties finally may not have to: employ the available staff.” ; The annual cost to the' council to employ five per-' sons, as originally suggested.' would cost an estimated I $40,000, the committee was' told. The county engineer (Mr'

11 A. J. W. Lamb) also rei ported that some of the 69 11 workers employed by the I county under the Govemj ment’s temporary work i; scheme were being paid ; more in subsidy than regular ! staff employed to supervise '■ them.