WORK AT THE GOODSHEDS

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1930, Page 9

WORK AT THE GOODSHEDS

PREFERENCE FOR QUARRIED MEN POSITION OF SINGLE . "CASUALS.”

“It is a general rule that married men are to be given preference in casual railway work,” said Mr, H. J. Larkin, stationmaster at New’ ■ Plymouth, when asked by a reporter last night to comment on a complaint, that four single men were told at the goodsheds on Thursday evening that they need not again apply for work as their places were to be filled by married men. Three of the men were in their twenties, it was said, but the fourth was elderly. He had been employed as a “casual” at the sheds for 18 months. Yesterday he wrote to headquarters at Wanganui protesting at the action that had been taken. It was suggested that the men were told they would not he needed because a married man complained to the stationmaster last Monday that he could not get a position at the sheds while single men were employed. - Mr. Larkin said these mon were regarded as temporary “casuals.” There were about 12 men at the sheds who owing to length of service extending up to ten years and over had come to be regarded as permanent “casuals.” They were granted the usual privileges accorded members of the permanent stall, including annual holidays and a travelling pass. Even they, however, were not guaranteed work, though they were expected to attend the 8 a.m, call each day in case they should be required. So far as temporary “casuals” were concerned, Mr. Larkin said it was the custom to employ them in the positions remaining after the permanent “casuals” had been placed. Lately more married men than usual had applied for work, with the result that the rule giving them preference was now being exercised at the daily calls for labour. The amount of work at the sheds varied with the quantity of shipping in port. Anything from 12 up to 35 men v/ere required according to daily needs.. When the number of married men offering was not sufficient, the vacancies would still be filled by single temporary “casuals,” concluded Mr. Larkin.