RAILWAYMEN’S GRIEVANCES

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15954, 24 October 1919, Page 2

RAILWAYMEN’S GRIEVANCES

(Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, October 23

At a special meeting of the Hillside branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, it was decided, after consideration of the Railway Bill and the autocratic powers conferred on the head of the Department, also the determination to refuse relief to the lowerpaid members, while making large increases to higher-paid officers, that the branch urges the executive council to take the strongest measures it considers necessary to secure the demand, promising the staunch support of the Hillside branch. The large increases to highlypaid officials,’now, eligible for retirement will impose a tremendous strain on the superannuation fund. The Otago branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants decided to take strong objection to the remuneration to members of the Second Division, urging the Government to immediately amend the Superannuation Act, making it mandatory that all members in receipt of not less than £%50 a year, and who have completed 40 years’ service, shall be retired. The branch strongly protests against the proposal to grant large increases to First Division officers due to retire, while no provision is made to increase the wage of the Second Division, and demand that the executive take immediate steps to reopen the whole schedule of the Second Division in order to obtain recognition of demands and the elimination of the autocratic power of the General Manager regarding promotions. TTMARU ALSO DISAPPROVES. TTMARU, October 23. A largely attended meeting of the Timaru branch of Railway Servants Society to-night passed resolutions resembling those passed by the Napier Society protesting against Hie large increases in salaries of First Division, and authorise the executive to take any course for the securing of an increase in wage of not less- than 3s a day. In the event of the demands not being conceded, a ballot is- recommended on the rules and regulation on the methods of working( it is stated that stricter compliance with the rules would mean slower working.)