THE RAILWAY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1371, 23 February 1912, Page 4

THE RAILWAY SERVICE

CONFERENCE AT CIIIIISTCHUKCH. lEy Toleeraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, February 22. Tho annual conference of delegates from the Locomotive Engine-drivers', Firemen, and Cleaners' Association was continued to-day whon further resolutions were arrived at. A motion was agreed to unanimously protesting against tho heavy punishments inflicted upon locomotive men. Tho principle of conciliation for dealing with grievances was affirmed, and it was decided to ask that a board should bo set up consisting of two members representing the association, and two representing tho Department, with one of tho Conciliation Commissioners as chairman. Jt was stated during the debate that it was no wonder that outside unions were discarding the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act as the Government advised their own employees to have nothing to do with tho Act. This meant that tho strike was (he only weapon of defenco for railway employees. It was generally agreed that some means ought to bo provided to decide disputes with the Department when other resources failed. The arbitrary system at present in vogue was strongly condemned by all | the delegates. It was decided to ask that tho superannuation Act bo amended so that the Government shall pay compensation foi death irrespective of the benefits under the Superannuation Act. It was stated that as the employees themselves subscribed for the benefits under tho Superannuation Act the Government should insure its employees in ttic same way (hat outside employers do. It was decided to ask for long service holidays on (he same lines in vogue- in most of the Australian Slates. It was resolved that when a Departmental inquiry is being held a representative of the association should be present. It was further resolved that all accidents' on tho railways be inquired into by an impartial board of trade on similar lines to the British Board of Trade. It was decided to ask that overtime rates bo paid for all time worked between 10 p.m. and G a.m.; that time mid a quarter should be paid to men after doing fourteen hours' work, and that double time bo paid for work done over fourteen hours on Sunday. It was decided that ten hours should be tho minimum time men should be booked off for rest between days of long hours.