GRIEVANCE ALLEGED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23281, 25 February 1939, Page 16

GRIEVANCE ALLEGED

CASUAL RAILWAY WORKERS HOURS AND CONDITIONS What they described as an anomalous position as regards conditions and hours of work for casual employees in the outward goods shed at the Auckland railway station was complained of by a deputation from the workers in an interview last night. They stated that their hours of work were so arranged that they could not qualify for overtime, that they had to be on call at eight o'clock without any assurance that they would start at that time, 'and that they were inadequately provided for in the matter of baths and locker space. It was alleged that their hours of work wcro so allotted as to make it impossible for them to qualify for overtime, which became payable after a 48-hour week. They had to be ready for work at eight o'clock, but might not be called until 11 o'clock or after, and in the event of an early start being made they would bo required to tako 2\ hours for a meal and then work until after six if needed. Their rate of pay was 2s 3Jd an hour, for which they were expected to handle any class of goods. Quoting an instance, the deputation said the casual workers received no special rates for stacking and loading basic slag. Waterside workers were paid special rates for handling the same material. Another grievance alleged was the lack of adequate locker space and facilities for washing after the day's work. The staff in the shed numbered over 100 on an ordinary working day, and for the majority there was no chance of being able to wash at tho basins, which were provided only with cold water. The deputation also stated that the space in the luncheon room was too small, and most of the men had to eat their moals wherever they could find a place to sit. "Wo are supporters of the Labour Government," the spokesman said, "but we do not think we are getting a fair deal compared with others engaged in the same class of work. Members of the Government claim that they have done a lot for the workers in every trade and industry, but they should clean up their own house first. We are not members of the Railway Workers' Union or of the General Workers' Union, and, consequently we have not their methods of getting these conditions improved."