PUBLIC SERVICE

Waikato Times, Volume 196, Issue 22578, 16 February 1945, Page 2

PUBLIC SERVICE

COMMITTEE APPOINTED NEW SALARY SCALES (By Telegraph.—Pre33 Association) WELLINGTON, Friday It was announced today by the president of the Public Service Association, Mr A. H. O'Keefe, that arising out of the association’s recent interview with the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser had agreed to the setting up of a consultative committee to formulate new salary scales for the Public Service. “When we saw Mr Fraser we discussed with him the possible effect of the Railway Tribunal’s findings on the remuneration of the Public Service and it was agreed that a joint committee of representatives of the association and the Public Commissioner would prepare and submit for early consideration of the Governments new salary scales for the entire Public Service,” said Mr O’Keefe. “The Prime Minister also agreed to the Public Service Commissioner acting as chairman of the joint committee, which will comprise the commissioner and three of his staff on the official side and four representatives on the association’s side.” The association’s representatives, who were elected at a special meeting of the national executive yesterday are the two vice-presidents, Messrs J. K. Hunfi and J. Lewin, the new general secretary, Mr J. Turnbull. and the president. Mr O’Keefe. The committee will commence work on Monday and during its first session will sit throughout the week. General Adjustment Mr Fraser announced yesterday that following on the findings of the Railway Tribunal there would be a general adjustment of remuneration in all branches of the Public Service and that it would date from June 30, 1944, but the consultative committee will still have much to do to arrive at the precise application of general increases to the Public Service, particularly in the case of the complex and numerous general division scales. “I am pleased to report my executive’s satisfaction at the sympathetic manner in which the Prime Minister has received the representations of the association,” concluded Mr O’Keefe. RETROSPECTIVE AMOUNTS PAYMENT ON MARCH 1 (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday The Railways Department intends to make retrospective payments under the new salary and wages schedule on March 1. A statement to this effect was made yesterday afternoon.