THE RAILWAY DISPUTE

Evening Star, Issue 17314, 30 March 1920, Page 6

THE RAILWAY DISPUTE

MARKING TIME. THE ISSUE SPECULATIVE. [Peh United Phess Association.] WELLINGTON, March 30. During the past few days there have been no further developments in regard to the dispute between the Railway Unions and the Government. The three organisations concerned are waiting for the promised interview with Mr Massey, and it is understood that this is arranged to take place as soon as possible after the Easter holidays. In the meantime, a ballot is taking place amongst the A.S.R.S. members and is returnable on April 17. It is understood that the proposals were submitted to the men in the following form: “Do you authorise the executive to accept the proposals obtained in Mr Justice Stringer’s report, or as an alternativedo you. decline to accept the increase offered, and authorise the executive to cal] a strike in order to enforce our demands.” A number of the men say they are opposed to both proposals, and suggest that a third issue should have been added, as they think the issue was still open for further negotiation. In the meanwhile attention is drawn to the fact that the Railway Department will, on next pav day, include in each man’s wages or salary the bonus recommended by Mr Justice Stringer, and dating from January 1 last. It is stated that the younger and more militant members of the service have intimated their intention of refusing to accept the bonus, but whether they will carry out their threat when extra pay la offered them remains to be seen.