RAILWAY WAGES.

Wairarapa Age, 25 March 1924, Page 7

RAILWAY WAGES.

FAVOURABLE COMPARISON.

MOVE TO EXTEND HOURS.

Wellington, Mar. 20.—Mr H. H. Sterling, second assistant General Manager, stated at a meeting of the Railway Wages Boar*l, that the New Zealand Railways compared favourably with other similar industries in the matter of pay.

The 44 hours week was costing the Department £253,000 more than the 48 hours did. No other railway was working the shorter hours except Queensland, aud then only the workshop hands. He suggested going back to the 48 hours, aud did not think it would mean a reduction in the staff.

The increase in wages had been considerably more than that of the cost of living in 1923. The increase represented 75 per cent in 1914, and 50 per cent over that of 1919.

Mr M. J. Mack said he feared the arbitration system was being tested and hoped it would not fail as he deprecated the use of strength. He stated that the average nuuitcr of children in a railwayman’s family was four, and the cost of the household was £4 19/7 per week. Men should have a fair standard of living. ’ After further discussion Mr Mack said the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants had definitely made up their minds not to agree to an extension of hours from 44 to 48 no matter what tho result of the conference might he.—(P.A.)