Ombudsman to be asked to look at rail dispute

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 2

Ombudsman to be asked to look at rail dispute

PA Wellington The Railways Corporation's general manager, Mr Trevor Hayward, said last evening? he would ask the Chief Ombudsman (Mr B. R. Laking) to investigate the guard dispute which has severely disrupted long-dis-tance train services in the

North Island and Wellington suburban services since Saturday. Earlier yesterday, the corporation rejected a National Union of Railwaymen call for an independent arbitrator to mediate a dispute which had cancelled yesterday’s two Silver Fern services and 28 Wellington commuter trains.

Mr Hayward had suggested that the guard at the centre of the dispute put the matter to' the Ombudsman himself, but this suggestion had been declined, said Mr Hayward.

“I believe the matter should be studied by the Ombudsman,” said Mr Hayward, adding that he was writing to Mr Laking inviting him to accept the complete file for investigation.

The Railways said the Wellington-to-Auckland train would run this week-end, but 48 Wellington suburban services would be cut. In the last two days, 71 suburban services have been cancelled. The dispute centres on an

argument over a woman with a baby being seated facing the wrong way on an Auckland-to-Wellington trip on April 14. Her letter, and those of

other complainants, were released by Mr Hayward yesterday. The letters allege that the guard was rude to the woman and other passengers when he asked her to turn her seat, one letter saying that the guard's “behaviour and attitude on our particular trip was repugnant and reprehensible,” another alleging he had “showered menaces and threats upon the passengers.” Mr Hayward said the guard of more than 30 years service had been the subject of seven previous complaints on his behaviour in the last 10 years. The president of the N.U.R., Mr G. Finlayson, said yesterday the corporation was adopting “an intransigent and unrealistic stance” in rejecting its call for arbitration.

Mr Hayward said that he was satisfied the complaints were justified, adding: “The union has backed the wrong horse this time.”

Mr Finlayson said yesterday the guard had received very high marks for customer relations in a recent staff review and was known for . his “mild temperament and conscientious approach to his duties.