A PUBLIC SERVICE HOLIDAY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2315, 24 November 1914, Page 8

A PUBLIC SERVICE HOLIDAY

•POST AND, TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT AND ST. ANDREW'S DAY. In reference to a., paragraph given publicity locally yesterday morning it might be assumed in consequence of the workmen of the Post and Telegraph Department having been informed that the holiday for St. Andrew's Day (usually granted to public officers) will not apply .to them, that they are at a disadvantage in_ comparison with the rest of the Service. In order that the Potion may ho properly understood it should be explained that the members or the Post and Telegraph Department are grouped for leave purposes under three headings:—(a) Officers of tho Secretary's Office; (b) officers of chief.and sub-offices (mail clerks, telegraphists, and generally those who are .required to be on duty on public holidays); (c) workmen, storemen, mechanics, tradesmen, and others. Under heading (a) officers with under ten years' service reccive 14 working days, plus IS days' special leave; and officers with over ten years' service receive 21 working days, plus _15 days' special leave. Under heading (b) officers with under ten years' service receive 14 working days, plus six days' special leave,. and with over ten years' service 21 working days, plus six days' special leave. Under heading (c) officers with under ten years' service receive 14 working days, plus nine days' special leave, and officers over ten years' service 21 working days, plus nine days' special leave. It will be seen, that the officers grouped under heading (c) described as workmen have an advantage of three days over thosp officers who-are required to deal direct with the public throughout the year. These three days were conferred by the regulations made by the Public Service. Commissioner in May last.

It should bo mentioned that Post and Telegraph officers receive additional consideration in the matter of annual leave owing to the fact that they cannot be granted the public holidays given to other Public Servants. Formerly officers were granted 14 or 21 days' leave according to length of service, these days including Sundays and public holidays. Now they are given the same- number of working davs, exclusive of Sundays and holidays" 'This addition to the annual leave is generally looked upon with more favour by the officers than are odd days throughout the year. It will thus be seen that officers of the Post and Telegraph Department are not suffering in comparison with other officers of the Public Service.