REDUCTION OF STAFFS

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14771, 10 October 1921, Page 2

REDUCTION OF STAFFS

POLICY IPS PUBLIC SERVICE. QUESTION OP SALARY SCALE. Referring to retirements from the ■Government Department..', the Public Service Journal states that. the executive of the Association last, month hart a protracted interview with the Public Service Commissioner in regard to his policy in the matter of retirements from the Public. Service. The principal points under discussion were the position of temporary employees still remainin'' in Ihe Public Service and the hardship involved in the ease of a married, man with a young family being retrenched.

In regard to temporaries, the ultimate result was lliat Hie Public Service Commissioner gave an undertaking that, except in extraordinary circumstances, temporary clerks would receive notice of termination of their services within the next lew months. In the matter of retrenchments already effected, the Commissioner stated that he was prepared lo hear the Association (in any individual rase where an officer had a large and young family, though this fact could not outweigh Hie necessity of making efficiency the governing factor. Rumours have littered through intermittently during Ihe nasi, month or two, says the journal, as to Hie possibility of a rateable reduction in salaries, or in the cost of living salary increases granted in JOtff and 1020. The executive lias no knowledge of such a proposal, and at any interview with the Public Service Commissioner, when salaries and conditions generally have been discussed, there has not even been a suggestion that, such a course would he proposed. When, in 1920, the Association entered into an agreement with the Government in regard to salaries, tic clear understanding with the Government’s agents the Uniformity Committee—was that there was to he no reduction unless the percentage increase in the cost of living—then at 02 —fell below 52 per cent. This position has not yet obtained, and until it. docs so the public servant, we believe, does not, need to display any anxiety. We feel satisfied that the Government will continue lo honour {lie agreement, and Hie possibility of •any proposal to the contrary being made by any responsible .authority is, in the circumstances, hardlfy conceivable.