TRAMWAY STRIKE AT CHRISTCHURCH

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1932, Page 5

TRAMWAY STRIKE

AT CHRISTCHURCH

Mayor’s Attempt TO EFFECT SETTLEMENT. CHRISTCHURCH, May 3. It was reported at noon, that a section of the tramwaymen had shown signs of weakening, and that this was the reason why the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan), was intervening in the dispute, he having been asked to interview the Board, with a view to reopening negotiations, so that a settlement could be reached. The Board whl meet the Mayor and Deputy Mayor this afternoon to discuss the situation, which is causing a certain amount of anxiety in view of the possibility of the trouble spreading. Union officials state that the mon are firm and not alarmed by the Board’s threats, The union officials state that the revoking of the decision to strike was not even considered at a meeting of the men this morning, and that the men who go out will not hand over their equipment, this evening, as demanded by the Board. LATER. The tram way men and Board have still failed to reach an agreement, and the tram strike to-morrow appears certain. “SCABS” IN DEMAND. Strike or no strike there will be a service to-morrow, declare Board officials. Fifty applications have been received from volunteers, many of whom are said to be competent. If there is a strike to-morrow, the officials state, the service will of necessity be shortened, and details as to the timetable will be published at the earliest possible moment. “There is no truth in the allegation that the Tramways Board would welcome a strike as a means of crushing the Union,” declared Mr E. H. Andrews, Chairman of the Board. “We recognise the men’s right to have a union, but we do not recognise their right to tell the Board how to run the trams. ’ ’

THE NEGOTIATIONS

Prove Unsuccessful both SIDES REJECT OFFERS. (Per Press Association - ). CHRISTCHURCH, May 3. For four hours to-day, negotiations were carried on between the Christ church Tramway Board and the Tramways Union. Tho Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M P., the Deputy Mayor, Mr J. K. Arche? and Mr J. McCombs M.P., took paic in the negotiations, they acting as intermediaries between the parties. The indications until late in the afternoon were that tho parties would bo able to agree on a basis of settlement. However at six' o’clock, Mr Sullivan announced that their effort! to bring about a settlement had not succeeded.

Tho final proposal of the Board wait as follows: “That the men call off the strike, and that the Board withdraw its dismissal notices. The re cent rationing scheme is to continue. lut the Board is prepared*to meet Tim mon and discuss any suggestions that they may wish to bring forward with a view to improvements to the existing rationing system which improve merits could be instituted forthwith if agreeable to both parties. It is to be understood that the whole question j f conditions is to be reviewed on June S. ”

This proposal was rejected by the Union’s representatives, who made the following counter proposal: “That th«» employees call off tho strike and the Board cancel its dismissal notices; tha' egotiations bo immediately opened, without prejudice, for a ratiorun’’ scheme. ’ ’ This proposal Tn turn, was rejectee by the Board. Tile men arc holding a meeting r<» night.

THE STRIKE ON

Only Two Turn Tail (Ter Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, May 3. A meeting of the morning shift tramway men was held to-night, at which tho negotiations of the day -were discussed. The only statement obtainable after the meeting was that the strike was definitely on. The men stated that the members of the Union were strongly against the acceptance of tho Board’s terms, and were in favour of a strike. So far as they knew, only two mem hers of the Union had refused to join the strike. A MODIFIED SERVICE. The Board have made arrangements tc run a modified service to-morrow. The extent of the service will depend or the number of present employees vzho report for duty, and as to this number the Board is quite in the dark.

400 AFTER STRIKERS’ JOBS. The Board has received four hundred applications for employment on the trams, including some from experienced tramway men in Auckland and Wellington. A substantial number of these men were enrolled to night, and were ordered to report for duty. The service to-morrow will terminate

at 5.45 p.m. There will be no trams running after dark. POLICE INTERDICT PICKETING. In spite of Superintendent Cummings giving a warning that the police will not tolerate picketing, it is known that attempts at picketing will be made to-morrow morning. THE “SPECIALS” TO BE USED. In anticipation of trouble of this sort, Superintendent Cummings has warned for early morning duty a fairly strong body of special police.