FIVE-DAY WEEKS' PLEASURES

Evening Star, Issue 25699, 24 January 1946, Page 9

FIVE-DAY WEEKS' PLEASURES

RAILWAYMEN OBJECT TO EXTRA TRAINS A FIREMAN'S EXPERIENCE NO DAY OFF IN TWENTY-THREE (P.A.) HAMILTON, January 23. At the monthly meeting of the Frankton branch of the Engine Drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association members expressed dissatisfaction at the recent announcement of the Minister of Railways, Mr R. Semple, regarding the proposed running of special ra-ce and excursion, trains on Saturdays in the near future. It was decided that an immediate protest be made against the department's, proposal, .as it, was considered that the balancing of holiday arrears and the relief of the staff from long hours and aggravated conditons were of more importance. Referring to the matter this morning, a representative of the association stated that the holiday on Saturday for other sections of the community was simply creating more, work for. the railway, employees, and it .was considered that it was about time the Government looked after its own departments in its endeavour to make better conditions for other. workers. During the, war years the, railway staffs had been much depleted, and at Frankton even yet about-25 to 30 men had not returned from service with the armed forces. Long hours had been worked, and the present average weekly time of duty was 50 hours. As a result of the war there had been no new engines, and in consequence the present engines had deteriorated appreciably and required much more attention and maintenance. Another grievance which was being experienced by the firemen, the speaker said, was tlje quality of the coal. Although in some instances open-cast coal proved satisfactory, at times this fuel was unequal to the occasion, and placed much more work on the firemen.' A fireman from Frankton stated that he had not had a holiday for the past 23 days, Sundays included, and his prospects of a day off, this week-end were not altogether bright. Many others were in a similar position. It could, be assumed,,that, the grievance was not confined to Frankton, as similar conditions obtained at railway stations throughout New Zealand. The employees point out that they do not object to providing the necessary services, but when it comes to transporting parties of picnickers and racegoers enjoying a five-day week the railwaymen consider that an' injustice is being done.