Not Reward For "Services Rendered"

Chronicle (Levin), 23 January 1948, Page 5

Not Reward For "Services Rendered"

WELLINGTON, Jan. 23. In no way was the national exeI cutive of the New Zealand Tramj way Employees' Union, or its iind.ivid.ual m^mbers, being rewardied financialiy for their efforts. ' This was emphasised by the i national secretary, Mr. P. A. Haniseii, hi expressing an objection to published statements that the | Dunedin branch of the union had t struck a £1 levy on its members as ja conffibufi on to the finances of che national executive, in appreciation of its efforts in connection Vv'ith the recent award. Mr. Hansen said that the statements might erroneously infer that ihe purpose of the levy was to reward the national executive. In successfully obtaining improved rates of pay and working eonditions, the union had overdrawn its finances, Mr. Hansen added. The union branehes had struck a £1 levy on iheir members to enabre" the heavy expenses involved in the ! negctiations tc be met, and to restore the financial position of the nationai union. Sucli a levy was' in accord with the union rules, as all money paid into union funds would be used to promote the mterests of tramway workers throughout Ncw Zeala,nd.