WANTS OF RAILWAYMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14924, 23 February 1912, Page 5

WANTS OF RAILWAYMEN.

DRIVERS AND FIREMEN. A DESIRE FOR MANY CHANGES.. [by TELEGRAM.-—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Chris rciroßCH, Thursday.The annual conference of delegates from the Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen and Cleaners' Association was continued today, when further resolutions were arrived at. A motion was agreed to unanimously protesting against the heavy punishments inflicted upon locomotive men. The principal of conciliation for dealing with grievances was affirmed, and it was decided to ask that a board should be set up, consisting of two members representing the association, two representing the Department, with one of the Conciliation Commissioners as chairman. It was stated during the debate that it was no wonder that outside unions were discarding the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, as the Government advised their own employees to havo nothing to do with the Act. This meant that a strike was the only weapon of defence for railway employees. It was generally agreed that some means ought to be provided to decide disputes with the Department when other recourses failed. The arbitrary system at present in vogue was strongly condemned by all delegates. It was decided to ask that the Superannuation Act be amended so that the Government shall pay compensation for death; irrespective of benefits under the Superannuation Act. It was stated that as the employees themselves subscribed for benefits under the Superannuation Act tha Government should insure its employees in the same way that outside employers do. It was decided to ask for long-service) holidays on the same lines in voguo in most of the Australian States. It was resolved that when a Department tal inquiry is being held a representative of the association should be present. It was further resolved that all accidents on railways bo inquired into by an impartial board of trade on similar lines to tha British Board of Trade. It wasj.ecided to ask that overtime rates be paid" tor all time worked between 10 p.m. and six a.m., that time and quarter should be paid men after doing 14 hours* work, and that double tune- be paid for work done over 14 hours on Sunday. Itl was decided that 10 hours should bo tha minimum time a man should be booked oflj for rest between days of long hours.