RAILWAYMEN’S WAGES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12014, 17 March 1920, Page 5

RAILWAYMEN’S WAGES.

Per Press Association. Dannevirke, March 16. The. Dannevirke Railwaymen, at a special meeting, passed a resolution urging their executive to reject Mr Stringer’s award of Is per day increase and are prepared to back the executive to a man in whatever actionjt deems advisable, as they consider there is no prospect of obtaining a peaceful settlement. They also take exception to a statement made by the Prime Minister to the press that guards’ average earnings are from £4 10s to £5 per week, as being both misleading and incorrect, The schedule minimum rate is £3 12s per week, with a weakly reduction of approximately 4s for superannuation payment, leaving practically only £3 8s for a Second Division man to live on. Any pay in addition to this — with some exceptions—is made only by members working excessive overtime, which should not be calculated in showing the average pay for a 48 hour week. Wellington, March 16. An important meeting of the executive council of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, attended by delegates from all over the Dominion, was held at Wellington yesterday. Interviewed during the afternoon, Mr W. J. Mack, general secretary to the A.S.R S., said the executive was seriously considering rhe whole position, but declined to give out anything for the information of the Press at present. It is understood that the situation is a very critical one, and that generally speaking things do not look too bright. Wellington, March 16 The executive of the A.S.R.S. sat again to-day and reached certain decisions regarding the demand of the milwaymen for better conditions than are proposed in the report of the Railway Commission, It was decided upon a course of ’ action to be followed in the event of the Government failing to make the concessions considered by the railwaymen to be essential. The first move to be made by the executive of the A.S.R.S. is to interview Mr Massey in his capacity as Minister of Railways. Mr Massey will not be sufficiently recovered from his operation to receive the deputation this week, and the officers of the A.S.E.S, have indicated that they will await his recovery before pressing the matter. ;,The officers of the locomotive men’s organisation have reached a similar decision. They wish-to interview Mr Massey before taking further action, and they will wait until he is able to see them. Auckland, March 16 The following motion was carried by the Auckland branch of the Railway Officers’ Institute to-night:— While hearing with indignation of the judgment of the'Railway Inquiry Board respecting the claims made by officers for improved salaries, hours* and conditions of employment, this meeting expresses its strong disapproval of of strike or “go slow” as to the best interests of all members of the service, resulting in immense injury to the whole Dominion. The meeting also passed a further resolution, disapproving in detail of the recommendations of the Board regarding officers’ claims.