RAILWAYMEN'S HOLIDAYS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 82, 6 April 1944, Page 4

RAILWAYMEN'S HOLIDAYS

Sir, —I would like to refute a statement made by the Hon. R. Semple in the House of Representatives recently when replying to a question regarding railwaymen's holidays. He stated that in addition to annual holidays railway-' men also are getting one week's rest leave.

This is not correct. We certainly were being granted the week's rest leave, but not "in addition" to annual leave. In a large number of cases this rest leave was the only holiday we have had for three years. I might add that it was not granted until the busy season had abated, which means winter time. Most other workers have their holidays at Christmas or as near to it as possible or at least have a few days off at Christmas and • Saster time, but not so the railwaymen. We go on forever. Although I will grant Mr. Semple credit for giving us leave at the present time, it is really only because the coal position allows a certain number'to be free. But the catch is that we are not granted travel permits; passes, but not permits. The Government in its generosity allowed all comers to go where they wished on the railways last Christmas, general public and Armed Forces alike, not to forget all racegoers, and the school children. We railwaymen carried on. Now, when it is not possible for us to go beyond 50 miles, we are given our holidays.—l am, etc., TWENTY-THREE YEARS' SERVICE.