“A BIT OF A BOMBSHELL”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 March 1936, Page 5

“A BIT OF A BOMBSHELL”

DEMANDS BY FIRE BRIGADESMEN (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, 25th March. •‘That is a bit of a bombshell,” remarked the chairman of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board, Mr J. J. Kingston, at the board’s meeting when a letter was received from the Auckland Fire Brigades’ Union stating its intention to file an application for a new award, and outlining a new system of duty hours in of tlie Government introducing legislation for a 40-hour week. The letter stated that the current award expired in 1932 and had not been renewed. “An entirely new Arbitration Act will very shortly be in force,” continued the letter. “We realise, of course, that a 40-liour week for fire brigadesmen is not at present practicable, but the adoption of the platoon system by the brigades of the Dominion will be a step in the direction of the Government’s policy of shortening working hours.” The union intended to file an application for a new award as soon as convenient after the Arbitration Act was amended. It also suggested that the fire board give consideration at its annual meeting to the proposals regarding hours, which were aimed to bring firemen in line with other workers in regard to shorter hours. Under the proposed “platoon system” the day shift would consist of 10 hours and the night shift_ of 14 hours. A change-over would be made fortnightly. Every employee to be allowed 1 \ days off weekly. “If it is found that special legislation is necessary to give effect to those proposals,” concluded the letter, “the Government would be ashen to introduce whatever legislation was liecessary.”

The chairman said he could scarcely appreciate the terms of the letter, especially in view of the board’s recent visit of inspection. .There had been no expressions of dissatisfaction then, and be could hardly conceive the men putting the board to this expense. In regal'd to hours, firemen were like seamen—they were not working all the hours,they were on duty. Certain duties had to be carried out, but after that most of the men were standing bv

“Our men have been well sheltered during the years of the depression,” added the chairman. “Their conditions had been much better than most workers, and they had every fourth day as leave.”

As he saw the platoon system it Would mean almost doubling the present staff Of firemen. There were over -10 men on the permanent staff. While lie laid not had an opportunity of assessing the cost, continued Mr Kingston. lie (Varied ,the nrcoosed s'dieipn would add between £BOO9 and £IO.OOO to the hoard’s estimates annually. This would mean nil in'Teased cost to the contributing local bodies.

The hoard received the letter and decided to obtain a report from the superintendent on what the suggested scheme would involve in staff and wages