RAILWAY WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2694, 14 February 1916, Page 8

RAILWAY WORKERS

THE QUESTION OF A WAR. BONUS. The Locomotive Engine-drivers , Firemen, and Cleaners' Association continued its conference on Friday at the Trades Hall, Cliristchurch. It was resolved to ask the Railway Department to discontinue the use of lignite coal, as it is very light and cannot be successfully used for steaming purposes on locomotives, and is dangerous, owing to the great amount of sparks thrown by engines. It was decided to use every endeavour to reach ail understanding with other railway societies, with a view to organising for political purposes and general service conditions. It was resolved to press upon the Department the necessity ol' supplying a book of conditions under which the men work, in this respect being at present chaotic in the oxtrenie. The conference decided to ask for double time on Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday. Members were of opinion that too much Sunday work is done. It, was also resolved that Is. per dayshould bo demanded as a war bonus, because of the high cost of living, and that a meal allowance should bo given to men on shifts of ten hours or over. The' following motions were also agreed to:— That no locomotive driver, firc-man or cleaner be booked on duty for less than a four-hour day. That locomotive men bo allowed ten hours off duty at their home station, and eight hours at foreign station between shifts, and that this practice be rigidly adhered to, except in cases of actual emergency. That locomotive drivers be considered when appointing brake inspectors and car and wagon inspectors. That locomotive men be paid at the locomotive foreman's office in large centres. That when the Department requests a doctor's certificate for illness of members tho Department should bear tho cost of same, unless tho member is malingering. That all Now Zealand locomotive drivers' certificates should he recognised by the Inspector of Machinery at their face value. That,the Department be requested to collect union subscriptions fronApay of members, in the same way as they now do for the Insurance Department, cost of same to be borne.by the union.