TRAIN DRIVERS' POSITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18690, 22 April 1924, Page 8

TRAIN DRIVERS' POSITION.

OWN WORK WILL BE DONE. l "NO MORE AND NO LESS." ASSOCIATION'S POLICY, QUESTION OF ASSISTANCE. I3V TZX.K3O.ATH. OW» OORBLE3PONDEST.3 WELLINGTON. Monday. " What attitude will the engindrivers, firemen, and cleaners, take up?" asked a questioner at the public meeting held last night to hear the railway trouble discussed. "We cannot say as to that," replied Mr. M. Connelly, president of the A.S.R.S. " I understand that there ia a certain amount of sympathy with tho A.S.R.S., but there is nothing certain." A Voice: Get out. and try them. ■ As has already been stated, however, the Enginedrivers, Firemen and Cleaners' Association has decided to remain at work if the members of tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants went out on strike. The president of the association stated this afternoon that there was no change in their attitude. The general secretary of the Locomotive, Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association stated a few days ago that the policy of his association was similar to that of other organisations when a strike was in progress. That is, that every member was expected to do his usual work—no more, and nr> less.

" This," said Mr. McArley, "is the policy adopted by the locomotive associations throughout the world, and other organisations in New Zealand. It was also the policy of the A.S.R.S. in the miners' strike, and of the marine engineers and officers in the seamen's strike. " Participation in any strike by a sympathy strike of locomotive men called on at the twelfth hour is not the policy of the association. If the assistance cf tho organisation is required by any other organisation, and is acceded to, then the association must bo allowed to make suggestions for a ettlement. Apart from the evidence given, there are certain factors in a dispute which must be considered, as no twelfth-TJour support can be given if the proper attitude has not been taken up in the dispute."

Mr. Connelly stated this afternoon that he had been advised that the following resolutions were carried at a meeting of the Greymouth branch of the Kng'inedrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association yesterday : " That the locomotive men ot the Westland section will not run trains with anybody, whether members of the A.S.R.S., or Railway Officers' Institute, who may desire to act as guards during a strike, until such time as the executive controlling the strike declares the strike off, and that the Greymouth branch of the A.S.R.S. stands solidly behind the executive council in the present fight."