THE RAILWAYMEN'S BONUS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 69, 16 December 1918, Page 6

THE RAILWAYMEN'S BONUS

Sir,—ln your issue of December 11, "A.S.R.S."'had something to suy regarding tho bonus granted to all second division railwiiynien and the demands being made by "a certain section for further concessions. Your correspondent expressed tho opinion that (ho men of the E.P.C.A. were tho best-paid moil in the Dominion, as "they have no trade or special learning of any kind." As a railway worker, 1 consider such a statement is entirely erroneous and constitutes a slander"' on a class of men who have earned the respect of tho community. Wages as high as Ite. per dny are being paid to drivers of stationary engines, log haulers, and mill locomotives; nut even first-class certificated drivers of these engines do not have (o possess any greater knowledge than the drivers of railway engines, wlioso maximum wage is only 13a. Gd. per day. An cngine-drivor on the railways must first serve his time as a cleaner, from which capacity ho passes

lo that of fireman. To qualify as a firs, man he must pass the necessary examination, and a further examination is necessary before ho qualifies as a driver. Tho usual time occupied in passing through the grades from cleaner to driver is from live to seven rears; at the end of which, time it is only natural that he should know something about an engine. Your correspondent also stated that drivers "cannot, repair or take any part in making an engine except as labourers." yuite so, but neither can men who help to make tho engines drive them. A man may be a good air pilot, but no one expects lhat his qualifications should include ability to construct an aeroplane or make a Gnome engine'. It is necessary for "A.S.R.S." and myself to use writing material before we can get our views into print; but the chances are that if cither of us had to manufacture tho necessary material in order to qualify ai correspondents our views would have no publicity. Engine-drivers hoM their positions only by right of their qualifications as engine-drivers, and have every right to demand payment as skilled labourers. Many unskilled workers in New Zealand at present are being paid as much as lGs. per day of eight hours; but for a wage ranging from 10s. to 13s. Gd. per day, engine-drivers, firemen, and cleaners are compelled to work most irregular shifts, and receive no extra pay for night work.' These men have acted most loyally to the Department and to the public in the past, and many of them have all the time been contending against adverse conditions of employment. They have earned at least the right to demand for themselves more equitable conditions, and should have the right to payment at a rate more commensurate with their skill and the increased cost of living. Thankin" von in anticipation, I am, etc., ° ° RAILWAYMAN.