THE UNION COMPANY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8608, 19 December 1913, Page 8

THE UNION COMPANY

THANKS TO SEA' AND SHORE STAFFS. BONUS OP ONE MONTH'S PAY. Press Association. DUNEDIN, December 18. Hie directors of the Union Steamship Company, at a board meeting today, took into special consideration the valuable services rendered by employees afloat and ashore who have remained loyal to the company during the strike, and in conveying to them their appreciation announced also, in the resolution which follows, that a bonus of one month’s pay has been voted. The resolution runs thus:— “The directors consider the time opportune to give expression to their appreciation of the action of their employees, afloat and ashore, who spontaneously tendered their services to assist in minimising the inconvenience to which the public and the company were put by the strike of th® waterside workers and the withdrawal of the seamen, firemen, and others from the company’s ships. Masters, officers, engineers, chief stewards, and shore staffs, both indoors and out placed their services in any capacity at the disposal of the directors, and their cooperation made it possible to maintain the principal branches 'of the company’s services with but slight interruption. Ignoring personal discomfort and distinctions of rank the great majority of the company employees cheerfully undertook any work assigned them, and they have had the satisfaction of seeing that their loyal assistance has enabled the company to overcome the very serious difficulties which they had to face and which would have been well-nigh insurmountable without their aid. The directors therefore gladly embrace the opportunity to thank them heartily for their support, and to assure them of the company’s full appreciation of their action. Although the trying time through which they have been passing has subjected the company to very considerable loss, the directors feel that the circumstances call for special consideration on their part, and the near approach of the close of the year suggests an appropriate time and way of recognising the assistance afforded by their employees. They have therefore voted a bonus of one month’s pay to all those who gave practical signs of their sympathy with the company by their active co-opera-tion in overcoming their difficulties —■ (Signed) James Mills, chairman and managing director.”