RAILWAY SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 18, 19 October 1936, Page 14

RAILWAY SERVICE

ADDITIONAL STAFF

FORTY-HOUR WEEK

TO BE MADE GENERAL

The Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Railways, stated at a reunion of members of the Railway Officers' Institute on Saturday night that additional officers were to be appointed to the railway service in order that the 40-hour week system would become operative throughout the Department. "There is no need to remind you that so far as the restoration of cuts is concerned, the Government has honoured its promise, and we feel that, as a result of that, the railway men are in a better frame of mind than they were before the present Government assumed office," said the Minister. "So far as the 40-hour week is concerned," he added, "I just wish to say that the principle has been introduced. As you are aware, there are large numbers of first division men who are working less than 40 hours a week." The Minister said he was pleased that it had been possible to extend the principle of the five-day week to the head office staff as a commencement, and it would be extended wherever possible. That would mean that the staff might enjoy the full benefit of the 40----hour week so far as it was practicable, having regard to the nature of the industry CADETS APPOINTED. Steps are being taken to appoint additional staff in order to make the principle operative throughout the system at the earliest possible moment," the Minister stated. Cadets numbering 264 had been offered positions, and 109 had already started. It was rather interesting to find that, owing to the generalimprovement in industry, 65 of the number had already been placed in suitable positions, and declined the offer of appointment in the Department. The Minister' said that quite a number of suitable members possessing the necessary qualifications in ihe second division were also receiving appointments in the first division. Mr. Sullivan said he could give an assurance from his own knowledge'that both the general manager and the assistant general manager were concerned with the staff administration, and were working exceptionally long hours with a view to seeing that the 40-hour week was made general at the earliest possible moment. THE FUTURE OUTLOOK. The Minister added that at the moment there were one or two outstanding details which were under consideration between the respective societies and the management, and he felt confident that an' amicable settlement would be-arrived at: " New Zealand, 'said the Minister. should not have a feeling of inferiority towards its railway system. He added that in the near future the Government would be pleased to do something in connection with "good-will promotions." ________^___ —