RAILWAYMEN CRITICAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27568, 9 December 1950, Page 10

RAILWAYMEN CRITICAL

Wage Increases Held To Be Insufficient TRIBUNAL’S FINDINGS "The increase of Id an hour to the majority of the general division members demonstrates by its inadequacy that the tribunal, in disregarding the evidence of the association regarding rates of pay outside the service, has divorced itself from reality.” This comment on' the Railway Tribunal findings on the application for a general wage increase in addition to a marginal adjustment for tradesmen, was made yesterday by Mr V. G. Robinson, chairman of the Hillside branch of the Railway Tradesmen’s Association. “The ljd an hour marginal adjustment granted to tradesmen is an indication that the tribunal is prepared to recognise /the need for an increased margin for skill, and responsibility. However, the adjustment leaves much to be desired and in our opinion will not be sufficient to attract or maintain the necessary supply of apprentices and tradesmen which is the most serious staff problem facing the Government. “On the question of the spiralling cost of living, it is apparent that the Railways Industrial Tribunal, which has all the powers of the Arbitration Court to adjust our wages on this basis, is rapidly becoming an appendage of that body and is content to follow the Arbitration Court rather than accept its responsibility and lead the way. “The relative position of the wageearner in 1950 (at a time of New Zealand’s greatest prosperity) is considerably worse than it has been for many years, and a considerable increase will be necessary if we are to achieve any degree of industrial harmony.” Action Endorsed

At a special meeting of the Hillside branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, held at mid-day yesterday, the following resolution was carried unanimously:—“That the Hillside branch of the ASRS endorses the statement made to the press by the

national president of the ASRS, Mr J. A. Barton and the national secretary, Mr J. S. Berry, and will support any action directed on a national basis to bring about a settlement of our just wage claims.” The branch also passed a resolution of no confidence in the Railways Tribunal. The biennial conference of the ASRS will be held in February, when consideration will be given to a remit from the Hillside branch urging the abolition of the Railways Tribunal and the resumption of direct negotiations with the department.