P. AND T. VIEWS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 77, 1 April 1931, Page 12

P. AND T. VIEWS

RESOLUTIONS OF PROTEST

The Labour Party was thanked and congratulated for their protest against the Government's wage reduction policy by the Wellington section of the Kew Zealand Post and Telegraph Employees' Association at the monthly meeting of the section held this week. A resolution was carried as follows: — "That this section of the P. and T. Employees' Association extends its thanks find congratulations to the Labour Party for the splendid and sus-

tamed effort it is making in the Legislature to combat the Government's unwarranted and inequitablo Budget balancing proposals." The following resolutions were also carried: — "That this section of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Employees' Association is of the opinion that in view of the Government's salary reducing proposals now before Parliament, the continuance of extraordinary economy measures, such as individual salary reductions by the Department, is most unfair and unjust, and this section therefore calls on the executive committee to bring the true facts before the public and Parliament." "That this meeting of members of the Wellington Section N.Z. Post and Telegraph Employees' Association endorses the following resolution carried by the executive committee of the association: — "That the general membership be fully informed of the manner in which the economic condition of Public servants has been made the 'chopping block' between contending political parties in the proposals to reduce salaries and wages now before Parliament. In this connection emphanis is given to the precedent set by the Beform Party in 1921 of meeting a passing phase of j depression by reducing permanently the salaries of Public servants, a policy now adopted whole-heartedly by the United Party, and which is contrasted with the strenuous and determined opposition shown on both occasions by the Labour Party. Consequently, it being recognised that there is organised voting strength between the Beform and United Parties to give full effect to the Government's proposals, and that might and not right is to prevail, tho executive considers that the combination of Public Service organisations inaugurated and now working on excellent lines throughout the Dominion, should maintain the present combination of forces, and organise intensively to use the political machine to undo the grievous wrong now being perpetrated, and ultimately to have instituted some system which will remove from the political arena tho determination of Public Service salaries and conditions." THE GUILD'S OPINIONS. "The Post and Telegraph Journal," the official organ of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Officers' Guild (Inc.), states that an invitation was received from the president of the Public Service Association to cooperate with his organisation and other Public Service bodies in placing before the Prime Minister alternative proposals. The principle adopted was "equality of sacrifice for all," and the proposals were found to be sound, fair, and above all, provided against any class tax. The "Journal" states:— "There are many in much worse plight. There arc those who have even lost their all and have no security for the future. Thoughtful Public Servants accept the present conditions in dogged silence and with a determination to meet the facts as thoy exist in the slump of to-day, and to be ready to grasp with both hands tho new prosperity of to-morrow. "Nothingican be gained at this juncture by thoughtless opposition and battering of heads on a wall of hard facts, for surely low prices for primary products, loss money coming into the country, and unemployment rife in the land are facts that cannot be gainsaid. With less to go around all must do with less. "It is owing to this that the guild gave support to the constructive proposals, which were drawn up by the Public Service Association and submitted to the other organisations. The proposals call for an equality of sacrifice over tho whole community, and provide a means whereby the Prime Minister can obtain sufficient funds to, balance his Budget. Thero is no doubt whatever that tho Dominion is up against it, by reason of depressed oversea conditions and war commitments undertaken in the defence of the Empire. Members of the Public Service will not shirk any issue that will help to readjust national finance as long as the basis is equitable on all sections of the community. "If the Service proposals are adopted tho shrinkage in tho pay envelope will not be the crack of doom or the heralding of progressive breaking down of wages, but rather a sane, and," as near as can be gauged, fair attempt to meet tho position as it exists to-day in a spirit' of each and all sharing the burden and thus, by thrift, economy, constructive thought and effort, turning .tho tide.to better times. ''This reduction can be turned into a potential increase by a re-arrange-ment of service matters to tend towards contentment, and contentment means efficiency. A guarantee of secuivity as far as promotion is concerned is of paramount importance. It was with this in view that the guild's first action was taken, and members can rest assured that in the event of a 'cut' iv salaries, there will be no let-up until the right of promotion is secured."