TRAMWAYMEN'S PAY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 123, 18 February 1919, Page 4

TRAMWAYMEN'S PAY

AUCKLAND DISPUTE SETTLED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Febrnary 17. The trouble between the tramway company and the union ended yeeterday, as the result of intervention by the Mayor, and the normal service has now been resumed. Mr. Gunson conferred with Mr. Walklate, the company's manager, yesterday morning, and with the union delegate in the evening, and at midnight the following agreement was .signed by all the parties. 1. The company concedes the men s main demands of January 23, with the exception of coach work. The existing agreement is confirmed subject to alteration of the rates of pay and an eighthour day. " 2. The council to continue negotiations along the lines of the Mayor's negotiations with Mr. Walklate, the agreement to be effected in accordance therewith. 3. The Mayor to call the council together immediately to deal with the position with all reasonable dispatch, and take steps to have effect given to the terms. Clauses 2 and 4, dealing with increased rates of pay and new conditions granted by the company, shall come into operation as soon as the council is in the legal position to. complete the proposed agreement with the company. 5. The men ehall forthwith reeume normal conditions and give to the community the most efficient service possible. The agreement is subject to confirmation by the union. Discussing the settlement subsequently, Mr. Gunson said that it manifestly involved an increase in tram fares sufficient to meet the position. After exhaustive investigations, as to the company's position, this was inevitable, and in view all the circumstances ■ b.e felt justified on behalf of the citizens in negotiating a settlement, on the terms stated. The tramway officers have intimated that they intend to reopen the question of an increase of wages, which they etate aTe already low in proportion to the pay of motornien and drivers.