RAILWAYMEN’S CONDITIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 October 1945, Page 2

RAILWAYMEN’S CONDITIONS

, OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS WELLINGTON, October 24. “Members of the R.T.A. will be gravely disappointed at the failure of the Tribunal to'assess properly the relative value of a trained artisan and to realise the necessity of providing an adequate margin of remuneration for’ skilled labour,” said Mr. T. F. Gebbie, general secretary of the Association, to-day. The Tribunal, he said, had two opportunities of recognising the tradesmen’s claim for an improvement in his relative position, and it was significant that on both occasions the workers’ nominee on the Tribunal; - a different member in each case, had dissented from the majority decision in respect of the tradesman’s margin. In spite of this, the Tribunal continued to assist in perpetuating a' condition which had resulted in a chronic shortage of skilled labour in many important trades. The Association, however, would continue to press for a proper realisation'of the relative value of a tradesman’s work. . ■ Some of the claims granted could be regarded as substantial gains, said Mr. Gebbie, but it could be said that the impresion created among R.T.A. members would be a mixed one, and the failure of some of the major claims would necessitate their being again placed before the Tribunal at the first opportunity. Commenting on the findings of the railways industrial tribunal, Mr. T. H. Stephenson, general secretary of the Enginedrivers’, Firemen’s, and Cleaners’ Association, said it would be noted that the employees’ representative, Mr. E. A. Whitlow, had disagreed m several instances with the majority decisions of the tribunal. “I think this would fairly represent the views of the members,” he said. “I am pleased at the tribunal’s decision to place holidays of second division members on the same basis as those of the first division, as this has been a bone of contention over a long period. This particular order will give general satisfaction. In spite of disappointments here and there, and with two sittings of the tribunal to look back upon, I am satisfied that the present tribunal is the best method that has been devised up to date of reviewing the many complex problems relating to wages and conditions within the railway service.”

WEST COAST OPINION. Interviewed by the “Star” regarding the findings of the Railways Tribunal, Mr. A. E. Mayell, secretary of the A.S.R.S., Greymouth, to-day, stated that there will be widespread disappointment throughout the service that a general all round increase in wages was not granted. “A very good case had been made out for a general increase in wages rates at the previous sitting of the Tribunal. Particular stress was made of the point that other sections of the community were in receipt of higher rates and that the Tribunal should bring railwaymen more into line with outside workers. After the increase had been granted similar increases were granted to all outside workers and we were back to the same position as before the Tribunal. . . “We have made some progress in improving conditions. Guards and gangers now reach their maximum rate" of pay two years after their appointment. This will be most acceptable to the members concerned. “The minimum rest period of 10 hours affects mostly train running men, guards, etc., and if this rest period is strictly adhered to, it will be much for the better of the men concerned. The additional leave after 10 years’ service will remove much dissatisfaction that has existed for a long period, although the decision to leave it to the General Manager’s discretion as to when it is practicable is very vague. Mostly all members have accumulated leave due over the war years and it is highly improbable that this additional leave will be given until after the accumulated leave has been worked off, and as yet there is no sign of this accumulated leave being given to members. “Another grievance partly remedied is the allowance of travelling time for permanent way gangs for each complete mile on outward and homeward journeys. “Some sections have received slight increases and while they are well worthy of them, sectional increases are as a rule not desirable. An increase to all members to bring them again into line with other industrial workers would have given far greater satisfaction and an incentive to give the very best service possible. “Our national executive council will meet in November, when the Tribunal findings will be. discussed and the whole position reviewed.”