PUBLIC SERVICE UNREST

Otago Witness, Issue 3444, 16 March 1920, Page 40

PUBLIC SERVICE UNREST

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT. GREYMOUTH, March 13. At a meeting of the West Coast section, of the Post and Telegraph Officers' Association, held last night, the following resolution was passed:—" This meeting of West Coast officers,, while duly appreciative of past efforts to improve the service, consider that these efforts have not been commensurate wifli . the rise in the cost of living; and that a further increment, including casual employees, is now necessary. We demand that the Prime Minister should make officially known the Chief Justice's decision in re a war bonus." THE RAILWAY SERVICE. GREYMOUTH, March 13. A largely attended meeting of the Railway Officers unanimously passed a resolution:—"That this meeting, representative of tlie Westland branch of the "R. 0.1., express dissatisfaction over the interim finding of tho Wages Board, wherein Justice Stringer admits there has been over 100 Eer cent, increase in the cost of living, ut recommends only a paltry allowance of about 5 per cent, additional increase to the 15 per cent, already granted under last years amended schedule. This meeting urge the executive to adhere to their demands for a 20 per cent, increase on existing salaries up to £350 per annum, and pledge themselves to back them in any action they deem necessary to obtain thia reasonable request. We call on_ the executive to form a deputation, containing members from each district, to wait on the Cabinet in conjunction with trie A.S.R.S. and E.F.C.A.. and urge increases of pay in keeping with the original demands." A DUNEDIN PROTEST. A large and representative meeting of the Otago branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was held on Friday night, when the following resolution was earned unanimously:—"That this meeting of the Otago -branch refuses to accept the recomendations of Mr Justice Stringer, and we pledge ourselves to carry out the wishes of the executive in whatever action it may deem necessary to obtain better wages and conditions."