BRITISH RAILWAYS

Wairarapa Age, 20 November 1919, Page 3

BRITISH RAILWAYS

GOVERNMENT'S TEEMS. LONDON, Monday. Addressing the railwaymen at Bristol, Mr. Thomas diclosed the Government's terms as a compromise for the men's demands for the nationalisation of the railways. It is intended to constitute a board of five general managers and five representatives of the railway unions invested with plenary powers over wages and conditions. Whenever a deadlock eventuates the dispute will be referred to a temporary board, on which the general managers, unions, and the public will be equally represented. It is also intended to set up local bodies on which the managers and i men will be equally represented, to deal with local grievances and other matters. Three representatives of the unions are to join the existing railway committee; of the general managers, thereby assisting in the administration of the railways with practical knowledge and experience. The terms will not affect the men's right to strike, which Mr. Thomas declared would never be given up. The standardisation of wages would be arranged with the Government before the new machinery was' constituted. Mr. Thomas contrasted the Govern-" ment's offer of a share in the management of the railways with his pleading to the companies a few years ago for the recognition of the union. He urged the men to accept the offer, which, he believed, would improve the men's conditions and ensure the Bmooth working of the railway systems.