AUCKLAND TRAM STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 341, 30 October 1908, Page 7

AUCKLAND TRAM STRIKE.

- V' A £60 FINE INFLICTED,

. (by telegraph—press' association.) , ' : ; . Auckland, October 29.. ~The Arbitration Court gavo'decisions this tuorning in . several cases arising out of the late tramway strike at Auckland. In a. case against the .Tramway Union, Mr. Justice Sim said that he had taken into consideration the arguments advanced by Mr. Rosser, a.nd recognised that the numerous dismissals of ■workers probably had the effect of creating the impression that the company was actuated bv hostility against the union, but dismissals whioh took place were within the company's rights. It was as right for an employer to get rid of an employee as for employee to get rid of an employer. The dismissals did not constitute a. breach of award. Probably the union did the only thing it could to get a complete vindication of its grievances, That appeared .the most that could be for'the union. On the other hand, .- he tookinto consideration that the strike • created a considerable disturbance and caused. much inconvenience and loss to business people. It was absurd to'say there wasjrny real excuse for the strike. The Court must, impose a most substantial penalty, and-would order the union to pay £60 to the appellant as a penalty for the strike. .Regarding the case against the company for dismissing Conductor ' Herdson, ' the Court was clear that Herdson. informed- he could get a week's pay in lieu of notice on returning his uniform. A week's pay should have actually been handed to him; but the breach was trifling and did not call for a penalty. In the case the company tor not providing a week's work for men on iff T???- ! . d , ur ! n s .Christmas week, ? 4 . co • the company employed a certain number ,of motormen and conduct a s P service. The day proved wet, the special service was suspended, and the mon were .only paid for tho time actually worked. , He thought tho award imoosed on the company to iind work for the* men. on the regular list, otherwise the company could give _a regular man n ; week's notice and not Provide him with work during ;that time, lho Court'held that the company was not bound to find work for the men on; Christmas Day, as they, were not bound to provide work on Sunday, and the men we're only entitled for the actual time worked on those days. .