RAILWAY SERVICE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 263, 5 October 1936, Page 6

RAILWAY SERVICE.

FORTY-HOUR AVEEK

IN FIRST DIVISION

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Oct. 4,

The Railway Department’s attitude to the 40-hour week for first division men was explained by the general manager (Mr G. H. Mackley), when speaking at the annual reunion of the Auckland branch of the Railway Officers’ institute. Mr Mackley referred to the advantage of the continuous employment railwaymen enjoyed, and quoted figures to show the progress in wages since 1911. Introducing the 40-hour week was a big task, he said. It would cost £289,000 this year in addition to £197,000 for wage restorations. it had never been understood that the 40-hour week was to be introduced in the first year. Although the first division had not got it IUO per cent., they were getting it as quickly as possible. Of 3000 first-division men, 1800 were now enjoying the 40-hour week or less. Second-division men were in a different position, as they were paid at an hourly rate. They were not being paid lor overtime as such for hours worked over 40. First division men enjoyed annual leave, sick pay, and other privileges as compared with the second division. The institute’s representatives had been asked to come back in six months’ time. He asked them to be patient, and he was _sqre. they were losing nothing meantime. The regrading that had been awaited for some time was being gone into immediately. As to goodwill promotions, while lie could make no promises, he would see if something could not be done in this year’s classification to help out some of those at the top of Grade 7. Speaking of the results of the year’s working to date, Mr Mackley said that more than half of the estimated revenue increase had been obtained in 24 weeks, and there was every reason to expect that the department’s budgeted interest payment would be more than reached.