RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12019, 24 March 1920, Page 5

RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES.

BALLOT ON STRIKE PROPOSAL. Per Press Association Wellington, March 23, It is now stated officially that members of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants are balloting on the question of a strike. After the recent meeting of the executive, the officers of the A. S. R. S. said that a decision had been reached but that no move would be made until they had interviewed the Minister of Railways, Mr Massey, and ascertained what was the attitude of the Government regarding the Railway Commission's report, but Mr Massey’s stay in hospital is proving more lengthy than anticipated, and the ballot is proceeding. The members of the A.S.K.S. are being asked to vote on the issues: (1) Acceptance of the rates of pay proposed by the Railway Commission; or (2) A strike in support of the full demands of the Association, The branches are to make their returns to the Executive not later than April 17th. If the decision is in favour of a strike, the fixing of the date will be ip the hands of the executive. In the meantime the executive will interview Mr Massey and ask for a definite statement of the Government’s intentions.

Mr M J Mack, secretary of the A. S.R. S., stated to-day that the executive realised Mr Massey could not discuss matters with the|n during his stay in hospital. They understood also that the recommendations of the Railway Commission were not necessarily the decision of the Government, but the railwayman were not prepared to let grass grew under their feet. Long negotiation and much delay had taken place already, and members of the service considered that the time had come for settlement of fiheir claims. The executive would interview Mr Massey as early as possible.