RAILWAYMEN'S COLUMN

Grey River Argus, 17 April 1920, Page 3

RAILWAYMEN'S COLUMN

(By "Side-oha.ii.")

It has been persistenly rumoured during the past week that developments in the nature of a strike may take place during the next month in the Railway Service.

Colour is lent to this by the recent reply given by the Minister of Railways to the A.S.R.S. With th e exception of one or two grievances, which the Minister agreed to have rectified, no further concessions were made. Tlie A.S.R.S/ with a view to adopting every method available before taking any drastic action, have asked the Prime Minister to place the case before the tribunal, which was set up during the war to adjust w.'iges^ etc. The Minister is considering the matter and promised to reply within a week. Meanwhile the A.S.R.S. strike ballot is proceeding and closes to-day. The engine drivers have xiofc yet met the Minister, but judging by the reply received by the A-S.R.S. there seems to be little hope for any relief for them. The E.F. and CA. have alerady taken a strike ballot, and the result is « n overwhelming majority in favour of striking- should their demands be refused. In the interest of the rank and file an effort should be made before an action bo taken to consolidate the A.S.R.S and E.F. and C.A. members, so that the best results may be cbtaincd. : TIRADE UNION BANKS. The Head Office will be in Cleveland, Ohio, and branches will be opened in all parts of the country, so that il>e funds of the organised railwaymcn may be deposited in their own banks. The Cleveland building costs 1,300,000 dollars (.£260,000) asd is worth 9,000,000 .do-Jars. It is expected that the three other Railway unions will support this project. Another body has bought, and is now iterating four factories for making knitted underwear and gloves for its members. WET AND DRY. Tho concession of wet and dry time for maintainance men, which has been made to the Plaint air. a nee Depa ltment, will be welcomed by those men. This lias been represented frequently during the pas.t ten years, and the recnet decision of the Minister will be a real gain to the men. Whether it will npp'y to all the maintenance men, including the ballast men, remains to be seen. This will not beknown until the official information comes to hand. Therefore it is too early to sum up the value of the concessions gained and members would be advised to hold a/iy comments they may have to make until further word comes through. PERSONAL. Mr H. J. Roberts, of the traffic s-.afl' is at present on amnal leave. Mr Roberts and Mrs Roberts left for Christchurch by the express on Thursf day morning. Mr P. J. Raleigh, who has been on a visit to Australia, returns t o Grey next week. Mr P. Malior, ganger, Recfton line, is at present on annual leave.