LABOUR NOTES

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 55, 2 September 1916, Page 10

LABOUR NOTES

(By D. O'J.)

The scheme of reorganisation which was adopted by the Railway Loco. Association on a ballot, is a highly important one, involving the transfer of headquarters to Wellington, where there will be a permanent- secretary (who will also be editor of the Loco. Record). Tlie subscription will be increased slightly, but it is contended by supporters of tlie scheme that the additional benefits accruing will be adequate compensation for this. The scheme is not to be brought into operation until after the war. At the ballot the voting was: For reorganisation 481. against 298, invalid 138, majority for the scheme 183. The decision of the Loco. Association, on a ballot, taken at the same time, in favour of reference of grievances to the Arbitration Court, is also of much interest. At present the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, a kindred organisation, is registered under the Arbitration Act; but the conditions of its registration (under a special clause in the Act) are such that matters in dispute can only be referred to the Court in a final emergency. Such a case has not yet arisen. The Railway .Review, organ of the A.S.R.S.), in referring to the decision, quotes a statement made by the Prime Minister, when Leader of the Opposition, to the effect that he did not see why all railway employees should not come under the Arbitration Act.