CIVIL SERVICE WAGE CUT

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1931, Page 7

CIVIL SERVICE WAGE CUT

PROTEST TO PRIME MINISTER

AN ALLEGEDLY UNFAIR BURDEN. COST OF LIVING STILL TOO . HIGH. By Telegraph.—Pr—p association. Wellington, Feb. IS. A deputation representing the Public Service Association, the Educational Institute, the P. and T. Employees’ Association, the Railway Officers’ Institute, and the Railway Tradesmen’s Association waited to-day on Mr. Forbes and placed before him their views on the question of the 10 per cent, cut in ■State salaries.

The main point brought forward was that the proposal was one which put an unfair and intolerable share of the burden of balancing the Budget on State employees. It was stated that even if award wages were reduced by 10 per cent, and if all other wages and salaries were equally reduced it was not to be asserted that the cost of living would fall in proportion. It was further asserted that the Government could have no effective control over rates of interest and also that a large number of State servants had entered into financial commitments on the present rate of remuneration. Mr. Forbes said the question was one for Parliament to decide whether or not his policy was to be ratified. The Wellington section of the Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association last night passed the following resolution: ‘‘While recognising that the country is passing through an unfavourable period, we are firmly of the opinion that a 10 per cent, reduction in salaries, particularly of■ those still suffering from reductions made in 1921, is grossly unjust. “The meeting considers that if the civil service is required to contribute towards the deficit, then every person in the country should do so also, and that merchants and business houses and distributors of all articles should be compelled by Act of Parliament to reduce prices, as also should professional men in all walks of life and the proprietors of newspapers.” HARDSHIP FOR LOWER PAID MEN BIGGER INCOME TAX PROPOSED Hamilton, Last Night. At a well attended meeting of the Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association the Prime Minister’s- recent announcement of wages reductions was discussed. The following resolution was carried: This section is of opinion that as the Prime Minister in announcing the 10 per cent, cut has failed to take into consideration the salary reductions of 1921-22, he be .requested to revise his proposals with a view to grading them to beat less harshly on

the lower paid officers. This section further considers that any determina-. t.uti of Parliament should be subject to review after a period of not more than 12 months.

A suggestion was made that instead of salary reductions the income tax exemption should be lowered to £2OO per annum, giving a similar rebate for a wife as is now afforded for children and thus enforcing the whole adult population, male and female, in receipt of wages over £4 a week to contribute to the State. ■ . •.■' ■'