PUBLIC SERVANTS’ WAGE-CUTS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2780, 26 November 1931, Page 4

PUBLIC SERVANTS’ WAGE-CUTS

In common with Mr J. Lang, Labour Premier of New South Wales, Mr Holland has given many extravagant promises concerning a wide variety of subjects. Of interest to workers, particularly civil servants, is the Labour Party's promise to restore all wage-cuts. Mr Lang stated definitely in Australia that ho would restore these, but the honouring of this typical promise was completely ignored. Although he unwillingly reduced the working week by 4. hours, not only did he fail to restore the cuts but increased the wages tax by 300 per cent, or in effect a reduction of the basic wage amounting to 4/- per week, and the latest figures show a total reduction of over 25 per cent. In addition to the above facts it has been shown that wholesale dismissals have taken place, and the service is far worse off under a "Labour" Government than it over was before. If the Labour Party ever succeeded in capturing the Treasury Benches in New Zealand, it is certain that the Civil Service would suffer in the same way. It has been proved both in Britain and Australia that the Labour Party will say anything to match votes, but completely forgets everything on reaching office. No Party working under such conditions can ever make good, and workers, particularly public servants, should remember this.*