TRAM STRIKE

Grey River Argus, 2 May 1932, Page 5

TRAM STRIKE

Likely at Christchurch OWING TO DISMISSALS. CHRISTCHURCH, May 1. The adtion of the Christchurch Tramway Board in dismissing twelve men, was discussed at a meeting of the Christchurch Tramway Employees’ Union this moaning. Although no statement was issued for publication, it is understood that the men decided to demand the reinstatement of those dismissed, and failing this, to declare a strike on Wednesday.

The dispute arose over the Board’s action in raitioning the men in order to absorb a surplus of workers in the Traffic Department. Both parties consented to an agreement whereby each man went off work without pay for one day in every three w.eeks. lit was shown that, through sickness, resignations and other causes the surplus men would be absorbed, and it was agreed that the agreement should terminate On March 31st. It was found that there wag still a Surplus of men, and the Works and Traffic Committee of the Board suggested to the Union that the rationing should be continued. The Union declined this proposal, and in a report submitted at the last meeting of the Board, directions were given for the staff to be reduced at once. This report was adopted and the men wer ( e dismissed.