RAILWAY MEN'S DISPUTE

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 69, 22 March 1920, Page 8

RAILWAY MEN'S DISPUTE

A CALL FOR MORE CANDID

REASONING

(Contributed by Welfare League.)

The position with regard to our national '.railway service to-day is one that calls for the most earnest thought upon the part of all citizens of the Dominion. We are far too much disposed to think that wheny as electors, we have recorded our votes at election time we have done our full duty, and that the Government is all responsible after that. In a true democracy much more is required from the private citizen. Bach of us should take an interest at least in the national services of our country, seeing that we iarevthe-joint owners of same. In the dispute between the Government and; the railway, servants the question is not which side is making the best'points .in debate, but solely is justice being meted out to the railwaymen? It has to be recognised that the railway officers and 'employees of all grades have always taken .the wise and loyal course of seeking to settle all differences .with the Minister, and Department by-reasoning matters out. We are bound to recognise. that there is something seriously wrong when these men ih"large numbers talk'of being tired of reasoning and threaten to resort to more militant tactics, which may mean "go slow methods" or a "straightout strike." We are glad to. recognise that the railwaymen in" their councils , show broad judgment and generally avoid taking precipitate action, from which, not the Government, but the people of the Domion might seriously suffer. If this manifestation,of a.real.sense of responsibility, is being treated by those in authority as being an evidence of weakness then we have no hesitation in saying that such an attitude is most reprehensible,' and at a time such as this, with its hard pressure of economic circumstances, is 'exceedingly dangerous. It would be presumption on our part to say anything from which it could be assumed that we were attempting to determine the issues at stake; we have .rio:'intention - of thus.;'intruding. We recognise that both on the side of the Government arid, its,^Department, and also-.: in that rail w/jyrtfen's societies, there are very heavy' responsibilities.' The league, however, feels justified in 1 urging upon both sides that in considering their own responsibilities, will at the' same time, give full weight to the burden that ■ rests upon the other. In the heat of debate this is; often over-, looked, ; and. : therein is our reason for emphasising the matter. ■

A CANDID CONFERENCE

REQUIRED.

; It is.,pleasing;to,note,.that.;the Executive Cquncirof the A'.S.R.S , r/ will shortly *nVe'et;;Sli'i- Maasey- 1' in "conference. The. Prime Minister, will be wise , if, ; wjtien this conference takes place, he insists on the matters under jdiecussion being dealt with, in a broad-spiritVof equity, and with the utmost candour. v Without wishing to be captious, we have yet to, express *grave' doubts whether the Minister's recent review of the position helped in any, degree towards a solution. The recital ■of -what advances had been given between'l9ll and the : present year, whilst it may show that the Government has been anxious to do the right thing.' does not affect, the question of what is the/positipn now? The employees are !faced with their responsibilities of 1920; they arid their dependents have to live according to the economic conditions obtaining now. Another, thing that ought to be candidly faced'is that if such concessions as "leave of absence, sick pay, privilege tickets, and superannuation" are to be regarded as part of the pay, then the. value of these I concessions should, be: properly assessed . and not merely introduced as a'plea of defence when the parties are seeking for something approaching exact estimates. Put .shortly, Mr. , Justice Stringer admits that his report^ suggests':)oiVer rates of pay in some, cases,,for skilled tradesmen .than the rates being paid by private employers. ",,;He ;adde, that, '-'times are abnormal, 1' "and that this condition of things may soon .be rectified." The ground for suggesting lower rates in the Railway Service than are paid outside is that, railwaymen -have-' certain advantages. The assessing of the value of the advantages appears to have been left as a matter of guessing. It may be that .llv. Justice Stringer could not deal with all the .matters ..submitted to. him. This is a very strong reason why 1 the whole position should ibe, further reviewed. The times are certainly, abnormal, but they are so- for the Railway men as well as for the Government and its Department. A wise candour is the best spirit in which, to.face this difficult situation It wilj prevent things being done in the heat of passion, which all would probably afterwards regret. We.trust the further conference ..may be held at an early date. ,