THE TRAFFIC BRANCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17456, 28 April 1920, Page 7

THE TRAFFIC BRANCH.

POSITION OF THE A.S.R.S.

STATEMENT BY MR. MACK.

"THE MEN MAY NOT WAIT."

fBT TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The position of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was explained briefly to-day by the general secretary, Mr. M. J. Mack, who said that on the outbreak of hostilities the society was negotiating with the Government tor improved conditions and wages. "We immediately, " said Mr. Mack, " waited on the Minister for Railways and told him that so long as the cost of living was reasonably controlled we would not press our claims. As everyone knows the cost of living has not been controlled and has continued to rise, with the result that we have from time to time been compelled to ask for increased wages. We have received in all 4» per dav bv way of bonuses' at different tiroes. Three shillings of this has been converted into wages, which, in effect, has reduced its purchasing power, for the men have now to pay superannuation charges on it. The cost of living has increased, as stated by the Prime Minister, 62 per cent, and our men have asked for an increase in wages of 2s 6d per day. Of this one shilling has been granted by Mr. Justice Stringer's report.

" We also desire improved working conditions, details of which have been placed before the Department, the Minister, and the manager repeatedly. The effect of the low wages and bad working conditions is that men have been leaving, and are leaving to such an extent that quite apart from the cessation of work on the part of the men, the Department is finding it difficult to carry on.. " Here is an illustration of what is happening. Coal is waiting at Greymouth for shipping. Shipping is held up in Wellington for want of trucks. Over 150 full trucks are standing in the Wellington railway yards waiting to be unloaded, and the Department cannot secure labour at the wages offered. Vehicles which should not be used are being used. Men are working excessively long hours and unless these things are remedied there must be sooner or later a general smash. " We have filed a dispute under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act," continued Mr. Alack. " This means a further delay, of which I have no doubt the Government will take full advantage. In the meantime, I am afraid the men will not wait for a settlement in this way."