THE SECOND DIVISION RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1265, 21 October 1911, Page 14

THE SECOND DIVISION RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

Sir,—As the grievances of raihvaymen of tho second division aro in the public eye at present, I would liko to make some brief remarks as to tho condition of mechanics under the Classification Act, as now in operation. Also, their opinions will only bo in a small measure placed before the Parliamentary Committee now taking evidence, as tho Minister for Railways will only allow somo representatives of the A.S.Ii.S. to appear. Consequently, the mind of an important nuniber of tradesmen will not be shown. What wc desiro Parliament to note is tho great need for the creation of a special grade carrying with it an extra shilling per day "for those mechanics who, by their fitness and competency, are of more value to the Department than the average worker. The present condition gives no encouragement to these men who are quick at, their work, and givo a higher standard of finish. There exists the great dead level creed, tho incompetent gets the same wages as tho best skilled tradesmen. Certainly, givo us all an increase just now, for if you compare the D.3 of 1902 with the one just issued, you will see that machinists, lifters, and labourers have had increases amounting to 2s. and Is. Gd. per day, while tradesmen for these nine j-ears have remained stationary. You have now the spectacle of some of tho former being paid sixpence per day less than a first-grade tradesman. Is that a fair position for the latter? Wo ask members of Parliament. to note this, aud answer if we are getting fair remuneration—Sixpence per day inore than men boring holes at a machine. Tho other point for consideration is the creation of tho special grade already referral to carrying an extra Quilling. Let tho Railway Committee call before them tradesmen who are prepared to appear, also call _ responsible officers, like locomotive engineers, and there is little doubt they will be supplied with sufficient information to show tho need of establishing such a position for mechanics of special abilitv.—l am, otc., MECHANIC.