"L.S.D.”

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16769, 19 June 1920, Page 6

"L.S.D.”

TOPIC OF THE MOMENT. STRAIGHT TALK TO P. AND T. OFFICERS. “The most interesting topic to-day is £ s. d.,” said Mr. A. T. Markman (who was recently appointed first assistant secretary to the Post and Telegraph department), at the annual smoko concert of the association, which was held in AA’elliugton on Tuesday night. “To my mind, it is of no use comparing the salary of 10 years ago or more witu what is required at the present time. AA 7 c are in the position of taking things as we find them; and the question of pay requires to bo dealt with on the present cost of living. I have no hesitation in eaying that, taknig that cost as it is to-day, and as it has been for some considerable time, some increase of income is necessary to permit of yon and your families living rn reasonable comfort, and at the same time, patting a little by to (§rcat contingencies which arc bound to come from time to time. I do not, however, intend to pursue that matter further, as that is a. question between yourselves, the Prime Minister and the Postmaster-General. But 1 have no doubt that when a decision has been arrived at you will bo satisfied, and if yon are fortunate enough to receive what you ask for, or something equal, 1 look forward to contentment. and naturally a. higher standard of work from all concerned. I say this because it is a phase of the question that appeals to me. If those of you who are. what may be called submanagers of the association at the div ferent centres were satisfied and contented. do you not think that the department would derive the benefit of your mental and physical energies displayed in some other direction ? A SENSE OF PROPORTION. “It has always been the practice o: the departmental administration ’ J view your requests from your poult of view as well as from the other sice. If the department did not, you would not now be enjoying the privileges which yon do. But let me ask tins' Do you view your requests from a departmental point of view ? lam afraid not. in sonic eases, at all events. For instance,. some of you will remember that yeais ago no overtime was paynote unless an officer performed duty in excess of 96 hours a fortnight. Then the department reduced that to 48 hours per week, .a distinct advantage, as you will all realise. Subsequent yon pressed for a reduction to 44 hours a week. AA’cl 1 the latest request is for ovei Lime alter seven hours daily. To, be candid v,ith yon, lam opposed to that. If you were a number of men bung paul by the hour for your labour, with no rights, privileges, and concessions, you would be entitled to it.. But surely it is not suggested that you should work under the same conditions as those paid by the hour for their labour f Now, T would suggest to you that in making a claim for the payment of overtime in excess of seven hours daily you arc not giving one thought the department’s side of the question. I put it to you this way. For a- week a largo number of you will work from 6 hours to G hours 45 minutes daily, inclusive.- of your smoke spell, and perhaps three or four hours on the Saturday. This continues month in and month out. Now, do yon consider that \on are warranted in asking for overtime if public business requires your attendance on very rare- occasions for eight or nine hours per day P PRIVILEGES AND CONCESSIONS. “I do think the association appears to overlook the many privileges and concessions received. Does a. man ourside, who receives a fixed wage, enjoy anything like the privileges and concessions you do? 1 think the. answer is ‘No.’ Ido not like to have our officers compared with some organisations. There is no comparison. AA : hat happens to the wages man if he becomes sick? Does he receive full pay for several months, half-pay for a like period, and quarter-pay for several months more? Let me refer to the leave of absence granted to permit all you delegates being here this evening. Then there is the collection of your subscriptions by the department, free postage on your correspondence, including the passage of the ‘Katipo’ through the post. How many hundreds of pounds docs that amouuj- to per annum? There are many others, but I have said sufficient to demonstrate what I mean, that is to say, if your salary question is satisfactorily settled there should be satisfaction all round. I have spoken freely, and with all good sincerity, with tho hope that some good will eventuate. I have already given yon my views on the salary question,' and as you are no doubt well acquainted with statistics concerning that mattor, I will not tire you with talking of that.”