RAILWAY FINANCE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 July 1928, Page 5

RAILWAY FINANCE

FALL IN REVENUE. EMPLOYERS AND MEN CONFER REDUCTION OF COSTS WANTED. (British OITicl.V. Wireless.) RUGBY, July 24. A joint confer cnee between the managers of the railway .companies and the representatives of the three railways trade unions opened to-day at which proposals designed to improve the financial position of 'the companies are being discussed. The proposals of the companies, involving a revision of the’ conditions of employment with a view to reducing working costs, were submitted yesterday to the railw'aymen and it is anticipated that to-day’s meeting will refer the matters in dispute, to the Central Wages Board on which the companies and unions arc represented. If no settlement is reached it will be passed on 'to the National Wages 'Board, which has a neutral chairm'an, and on which the users of railways are also represented. PROPOSALS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO WORKERS. LONDON, July 25. At a meeting of the railway unions to consider tire companies’ proposals to check falling revenue, Mr Broomley representing the locomotive section or the workers, gathered up h’is papers and withdrew. - The companies aslc for the withdrawal of remaining war bonuses, the cancellation of payment for overtime, night- duty and Sunday duty, the temporary suspension of 'a guaranteed day per week in return for a guaranteed week embracing all time. It is understood the unions will not accept the proposals.