WELLINGTON TRAMS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16782, 11 July 1922, Page 4

WELLINGTON TRAMS.

STRIKE FAVOURED. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, July 10. The AYellington tramway men’s ballot, decision favouring a strike means that they decline to accept the all-round r« - d action of os weekly in wages, and they also decline to register their union under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. as desired by the City Council, with the object of ‘•ecuriug the ad j moment of differences bt' thv* Arbitration Court- To-day’s ballot was taken under the provisions of the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, and it was in pursuance of the terms of th’4 enactment that the recent abortive conference between tlie tramway men and City Council was held. This Act provides that seven days’ notice of intention to cease work must be given. As there are other Acts which bear on the matter, however, it is possible that; in the ease of the tramwaymen they may have to give fourteen days’ notice. THE REJECTED PROPOSALS. The claims which the City Council desired the Tramwaymen’s Union to accept involve, with one or two exceptions, a reduction in wages of 5s per week, which covers the cut made by the Arbitration Court in its wages pronouncement in Alay. No increase in the hours of work is proposed, and it is not desired to take away privileges of any real significance which the men have enjoyed in the past- On behalf of the council, it is stated that it is particularly anxious to give the public the benefit of reduced tram fares, provided it can .secure a decrease in the running costs of the tramway system, and it is in this connection that a reduction in the wages now being paid to members of the Tramways and Powerhouse Employees’ Union is or vital importance. Following are the minimum rates of wages which the council suggests should be paid to the principal class of employees:—Motormen. first, second and third year. Is lOd per hour : motormen, four and under six years. Is lid; motormen, six years and over, Is ll^d; conductors, first and second years. Is 9d per hour : conductors, third year and over. Is 9sd : linesmen. 2s Id: linesmen's assistants, Is lljd: permanent wav repairers. Is 10Jd; trackmen. Is 9£d. (Per Press Association'.) AYELLINGTON. July 10. Members of the Wellington Tramways Union took part in a secret ballot to-day on tlie question of going out on strike in connection with the dispute with the City Council. The ballot, which was conducted by the Labour Department in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Disputes Investigation Act. resulted overwhelmingly hi favour of a strike. The figures were.— In favour of strike . • 449 Opposed to strike . . 41