STRIKE THREAT

Evening Star, Issue 21091, 2 May 1932, Page 4

STRIKE THREAT

CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAYMEN RATIONING OF WORK (Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 1. The action of the Christchurch Tramway Board in dismissing twelve men was discussed at a meeting of the Christchurch Tramway Employees' Union this morning, and although no statement was issued for publication it is understood that the men decided to demand the reinstatement of those dismissed, and failing this to declare a strike on Wednesday. The dispute arose over the board’s action in rationing men in order to absorb the surplus of workers in the traffic department. Both parties consented to an agreement by which each man went off work without pay one dav in every three weeks. It was hoped that through sickness, resignations, and other causes the surplus would be absorbed, and it was arranged that the agreement should terminate on March 31. ’ It was found on that date, however, that there was still a surplus of men, and the AVorks and Traffic Committee of the board suggested to the union that the rationing should bo continued. The union declined the proposal, and in a report submitted at the last meeting of the board directions/were given for the staff to be reduced at once. The report was adopted and the men were dismissed. '