LABOUR AND SALARY CUTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 111, 12 May 1934, Page 12

LABOUR AND SALARY CUTS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I see the Labour members of the council have given you a lengthy report of their achievement, viz., the restoration of tho allegod cuts. The reduction should never have been looked on as a "cut"; but as a rescission of a bonus given after the war to meet tho high rents and living costs then ruling but which have since decreased. Their action gives rise to .this question: Has tho council been working its employees below award rates? If so, why did not the Labour Department take proceedings against them, tho same as it would against any private employer? If, ou the other hand, it has been, paying

award rates, then why all the fuss? Is a- man working for the council at award rates and losing no time worse- off than a man working for a contractor at award rates and losing all wet weather? Ono did expect consideration—but from the more expp.ricncod Labour, members. I maintain they should have used their efforts to get as many unemployed in to work as, they could, and at award rates i±'possible. What is their idea? Where is the common sense in picking out a few 'favoured workers who have had pcrmaueut employment all through the slump, and giving them more wages, when there are hundreds with no worls at al!? Where is the sense or justice in asking an unemployed -. ratepayer, who, through no fault of his own, has been unable- to pay his rates for three years, and is to have a judgment taken out against him. Where, I repeat, is the justice, iii asking him to contribute towards the salary of a man getting £500 per year constantly? Five htiudred pounds per year requires.assistance. What about the man earning nothing? Some of the surplus should have been set aside, and work found for those who are to the summoned for- their rates. There are quite a number. I would suggest that- the Government and council consult together and invite- these ratepayers to bring their books along and have their, positions examined." Then either-work could be found for them or the council could share'the .slump with them by remitting the whole or part of the1 -arrears." The farmer is helped to keep his equity in hia farm. Why not help.,the man jvho is trying to keep the equity in his home?—l am, etc., . FED. IJP. . P.S.—Any: councillor is entitled to my name and address.