THE RAILWAYMEN

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 160, 1 April 1919, Page 5

THE RAILWAYMEN

NEW RATES UNDER CONSIDERATION. In accordance with the arrangement previously made, the Minister of Railways and the General Manager of Railways yesterday met the executivo of the Engine-drivers, I'iremen, and Cleait:rs' Association and placed before them tho Railway Department's programme of revised pay and conditions of employment. The Minister had promised that the proposals of the Department would be in the hands of the executive before the beginning of April. The members of the executive asked for time to consider the proposals, which they had then seen for the first time. This was agreed to, the executive of tho association being informed that thoy could discuss details with the management, who would bo prepared {6' explain any point raised.

It was explained that tho deltyy in tlio presentation of the Department's programme was due to the extra days occupied in conference with the Eaihvay Officers' Institute and Amalgamated "Society of Eaihvay Servants, which were accessary before a final scheme of such magnitude could be laid upon the table. The completed programme as it affected tlio locomotive running branch had fceen placed before the Engine-drivers' Association at the earliest possiblo moment. The mere matter of a few days unavoidably taken to prepare the programme did not affect the men one iota, explained the management, and the schedule of pay required Parliamentary enactment before becoming operative, and in no case did any of the conditions affect time antecedent to April 1, 1919.

PROPOSALS FAVOURABLY RECEIVED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, March 31. The' Auckland branch of the Enginedrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association discussed the Minister's offer regarding improved wages and working conditions yesterday. The meeting was held in committee, and passed a vote of confidence in the general secretary, Mi. M. J. Mack. When questioned the men generally spemed to regard the proposals favourably. ■ "

Christchurch, March 31. The largest meeting of railwaying! held in Christchurch took place yesterday, when Mr. R. Hampton (national president of the A.S.R.S.) reported on the conference with the Minister of J?ailways_ (the Hon. W. H. Herries). The meeting resolved: "That, having heard the explanation of the new classification proposals, and the improved working conditions, the Minister be urged to have the proposals passed through Parliament at the earliest possible moment."'

The meeting also protested against the suggestion that legislation to give effect to the proposals should be delayed, as sufficient delay ban. already taken place, and that further delay would cause irritation and-discontent throughout tho 60rvice.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Hamilton said that while he was tumble to give details of the proposals, he was pleased with the way thev liad • lieen received bv members. Certain wore dissatisfied with details of Ihe wages schedule, hut recognised that the improvement which was- piomised in the working conditions—so far' as the whale was concerned—marked a. di«tin?t ncivance on the present rearms and the general opinion was that the pronowls should he accented as an important instalment of reform.