“FACING A CRISIS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 276, 22 November 1943, Page 4

“FACING A CRISIS”

RAILWAYMEN RESTIVE RELATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT (P.A.) Wellington, Nov. 20. A statement that the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was facing a crisis in its relationship with the Government is made in an article in the New’ Zealand Railway Review. It is indicated that the cause of this situation is dissatisfaction with results of certain claims made by the society on behalf of its members. “Up to now every possible constitutional step had been taken to see the men’s claims met, and now the councillors are faced with the problem of what to do next,” the article states. “Their sense of frustration is not assuaged. nor their dissatisfaction dispelled by the Government’s capitulation to other sections of workers as the result of pressure. Can they be condemned out of hand, therefore, if t hey decide that the policy of patience has failed and that any future developments must be held to be the sole responsibility of the Government?”

Notwithstanding serious dissatisfaction, railwaymen had helped 1o return the Government, proving its unfailing loyalty to the “cause of true Labour,” the article continues. If ever an opportunity had presented itself for the rank and file of a union to stand behind its executive, this was the time. Representations to the Government had been frequent, and persistent. and to carry them througn to a successful conclusion the full cooperation of the entire membership was necessary.

“This is an urgent call for unity in our society, and we arc confident that it will not be issued in vain,” the article ends.

Comment on the subject of the article, which concerns the claims of the society that conditions for its members have not been brought into line with those in other industries, is made by the Canterbury branch secretary. Dissatisfaction among important sections of railway workers was admitted by him to exist. They were incensed, he said, at what they thought was dilatoriness in rectifying what were considered by the society to be anomalies. It was admitted that the Government had made concessions to the railwaymen since it assumed office, but there were a number of matters outstanding. CANTERBURY SUPPORT (P,A.) Christchurch, Nov. 21. An article entitled “Patience Fails —What Now?" published in the New Zealand Railway Review, was discussed at a meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants to-day. A report issued to the press afterwards said there was an unusually large attendance of members, who discussed fully the implications of tee article. The following resolution was carried: “This general mass meeting of Canterbury branch members of tne A.S.R.S. heartily endorses the statement made by the national executive. We are of opinion that the protracted and fruitless negotiations, in regard to bringing railwaymen’s wages more into line with the cost of living, between the A.S.R.S. and the administration have become so irritating in effect to the mass of railwaymen that sterner methods require to be adopted. In response to an appeal by our national executive, we affirm our loyalty to our union and advise the national executive that we are prepared to support and stand . “.nited behind any action our executive may consider it necessary to take.” CONCERN IN WANGANUI When inquiries were made last night it was stated that railwaymen in Wanganui were just as concerned as those in other centres. As a result a combined meeting of the East Town branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants and the Railway Tradesmen's Association will be held during the lunch hour to-day to discuss the questions at issue.