TO FIGHT CUTS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20273, 6 April 1934, Page 5

TO FIGHT CUTS.

A Challenge to British Government. CIVIL SERVICE ACTION”. (Special to the “ Star.**) LONDON, February 21. A sensational step has been taken by the Civil Service in its fight against salary cuts. It has been decided to form an alliance with the teachers and local government officers. Delegates from the Civil Service associations have been appointed to meet representatives from the other two bodies for this purpose. Such an alliance would cover over 1,000,000 persons directly and more indirectly. It would be able to bring tremendous pressure on the Government. The three federated bodies will pursue joint action throughout the country. They will demand that those for whom the State is responsible shall be considered when the Budget surplus is being distributed. The new alliance will be non-political, but every legitimate 'weapon will be used to reverse the policy of “ cuts.’* It is feared that the Government may ban the new federation. This is what lends such importance to the step taken by the Civil Service. Clause 5 of the Trade Disputes Act of 1927 restricted the activities of Civil Servants to their own organisations. After the passing of the Act all Civil Service associations were compelled to cut their connection wuth outside bodies. The new move, therefore, constitutes a sensational challenge to the Goveri> ment. Its action is awaited with anxious concern.