RAILWAY TROUBLE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11009, 23 January 1926, Page 5

RAILWAY TROUBLE

MEN REJECT NATIONAL BOARD’S AWARD. A DELICATE SITUATION

United Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received Jan. 22, 9.10 p.m.) LONDON, Jan) 21. Trouble. has re-arisen in the railway world, to-day's conference of branch delegates Jof „ the National Union of Railwaymen rejecting the award of the National "Wages Board, which after considering the companies’ claims for a-reduction of wages and the men’s .. .counter claims for increases, issued "a report on December 9, practically maintaining the status quo. It is noteworthy that the men’s leaders, the ex-Minister Mr J. H. Thomas and Mr Dobbie, signed the Board’s report. Though to-day’s conference is generally regasiied as the most critical since the l*st big strike, it is gathered the decision merely reflects a movement for re-opening negotiations. Thr delegates are not anxious to commit the union to strike action. The decision creates a delicate situation, the award being due to come into operation on February 1. The conference meets again tomorrow to consider the next move, though it is believed no decision regarding strike action will be taken until the union’s executive has met the companies to discuss the reopening of negotiations, or to secure a postponement of the application o£ the award.—Reuter. COMPANIES MAY NOT OPER 4TET AWARD ON DUE DATE. CAUSE OF DISSATISFACTION. (Received Jan. 22, 1.1.45 p m.) LONDON, Jan'. 22. 'J he decision of the railwaymen raises issues of the utmost gravitv, but must not be regarded as final, as the companies may be pursuaded not to operate the award on February 1. The companies have already announo - ed adherence to the award. The raihvaymen’s position is complicated by the fact that men are now rejecting the advice of Air Thomas and Air Cramp. it is understood the chief reason for the dissatisfaction is the scale of base rates arranged for the lower grades of workers, but these only apply to men who jom companies in the future, as the present employees receive a bonus based on the cost of living. The railwaymen apparently fear the new workers’ earning lower money will displace men receiving the sliding scale bonus.