RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES

Evening Star, Issue 25301, 9 October 1944, Page 6

RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES

TRIBUNAL'S SITTING OPENED A.S.R.S. CLAIM FOR 3D PER HOUR INCREASE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 9. The Railways Tribunal opened its sitting, with Mr Stilwell, S.M., as chairman, Mr E. Casey (former general manager) representing the Government, and Dr Sutch representing the railway organisations. Mr Mcllvridge, stating the case for the A.S.R.S., which sought a general wage increase of 3d per hour, said negotiations with the Government for a general increase began prior to the introduction of the stabilisation plan on December 15, 1942. Accordingly the claim was not in conflict with the stabilisation regulations. Certain. adjustments were necessary to annul anomalies, and it would be in accordance with the principles of stabilisation to rectify the just claims of the members of the service. Though, the tribunal wa6 in general bound to take the stabilisation regulations into account, it had a wider jurisdiction than the Court of Arbitration, as it could order increases if they were approved by the Economic Stabilisation Commission, eveu if no anomaly were involved and even if the negotiation's were not in train prior to December 15, 1942. Wages in the service had failed in substantial measure to keep pace with the cost of living since 1936. and with the increase in the general level of wages. The incidence of overtime varied considerably. Some railway servants earned little overtime, and it was not right that members of the service should have to rely on overtime to maintain a reasonable standard of lining. The prescribed rates in the railway service were actual rates, whereas in outside employment the award rates were a minimum, and owing to the increase of actual over-award rates railway wages were anomalous at at present. The financial position of the Railway Department was better than at any time in the past. Mr Mcllvridge said the claim was for 6d per hour, but as two cost of living bonuses, totalling 10s a week, were equivalent to 3d an hour, they claimed an increase of 3d in all wages, being the difference.