TRAM STRIKE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23321, 3 October 1945, Page 5

TRAM STRIKE

Threat In Melbourne (11.25 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Oct. 2. Trouble which began with the Melbourne trams this afternoon is expected to develop into a general tramways strike by to-morrow. The dispute arises from a decision of the employees at the Malvern depot to enforce a six-day week. The present rosters of all seven tram depots provide for a six-day week for ell employees, except some who work seven days every seventh week. During the war most employees worked a seven-day week. Last week the Malvern Employees’ Union decided to enforce a six-day week as from yesterday. The committee instructed employees rostered fcr seven days not to work on that day. The Tramways Board warned the men so rostered that they would be suspended if they did not report for duty. It assured the men of a general six-day week when the manpower position permitted, probably in a few weeks. The Malvern men adhered to their decision and the rostered seven-day men who did not report were suspended when they reported to begin work to-day. Representatives of the denot committee then instructed all drivers on routes to return trams to the depots. Other depots followed suit end bv early evening most trams had be—i driven to depots. Urgent negotiations are now proceeding. ________