RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

Northern Advocate, 22 January 1920, Page 2

RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

NORTHERN DISTRICT PEELING.

tIKXERAL DISCONTENT AVOWED

MANY RESIGNATIONS PREDICTED.

An officer of the A.S.R.&. branch in this area was emphatic in his assertion to an "Advocate" representative that i lie members of the railway service in the northern district absolutely upheld iho action of their representative (Mr Hampton) in refusing to sit on the Wages Board. "Without exception," said the official, "the employees claim that every sentence in the Prime Minister's statement re the setting up of this board has lioon grossly violated. 'It should also be pointed out," he said, "as a case of critical importance, iliat discontent in the service is reaching a dangerous stage. "Whole sheaves of applications for transfer from this district have been placed in the Department's hands," he continued, "and it is openly stated by the members concerned that resignations in large numbers will follow within a few weeks. "Some members aver tint, the head office delays, for as long as two months, replies to correspondence. "The railwaymen in the northern area," he concluded, "are not expressing any grievance against the local railway officials, recognising that the latter, too, suffer in a greater or less degree along with the*'rank and file, seeing that the:- are afflicted with rolling Btock which ought to be scrappod, but with which they are expected to carry on an efficient service.''