HEARING CONTINUED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26692, 11 February 1948, Page 6

HEARING CONTINUED

RAILWAY WORKERS’ ' CLAIMS INCREASED RATES SOUGHT P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 10. The Government Railways Industrial Tribunal to-day continued its hearing of the joint claim by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants and the Railway Tradesmen’s Association for an allowance of 3d an hour for men employed in the blacksmiths’ shop at Addington. The tribunal, consisted of Mr W. F. Stilwell, S.M. (chairman). Mr E. Casey (Government representative), and Mr E. A. Whitlow (representing the railway organisations). Continuing his evidence, L. H. Brough, workshops superintendent for the department, questioned by Mr Whitlow, said the contemplated building of a new blacksmiths’ shop was part of a major scheme. In reply to Mr A. R. Taylor, assessor for the department, witness said he was convinced that the dissatisfaction at Addington arose over findings of the commission which investigated dirty work. » The tribunal reserved its decision. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants then applied to the tribunal for an order to provide that the wages of wood machinists with not less than five years’ experience be at the rate of 3s 9d an hour.

In presenting the claim, Mr H. Bishop, advocate for the applicants, said he hoped the tribunal would recognise a reasonable claim for this group of workers and give them the same status under Government employment as was granted to similar hvorkers in private industry. The general manager of railways, Mr J. Sawers, in his submissions, said the estimated cost of granting the claim would be approximately £BOO a year. At the hearing on January 5 he had stated that he was not prepared to admit this claim. . .

The general manager’s submissions had not concluded when the hearing was adjourned till to-morrow.