A RAILWAY DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 165, 8 April 1921, Page 6

A RAILWAY DISPUTE

TROUBLE OVER STANDING TIME LOCOMOTIVE MEN PERTURBED ■’"■‘A dispute has arisen between the New Zealand Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen’s and Cleaners’ Association and the Bailways Department with reference to the question of standing time. This question is one which has caused i* good deal of trouble among members of the locomotive branch of the railway • service, and it was one of the causes which led up to the railway strike of May last. In August, 1920, representaOions on the subject were made to Ur. Massey in his capacity as Minister of Bailways, and an agreement was then ■reached to the effect that all standing time would be paid for at ordinary rates and that work done as overtime would be paid for at overtime rates of pay. Recently instructions were issued by the Railways Department which, it is contended by the locomotive men, allow for the working of broken shifts, iho E.F.C.A. maintains that if these instructions are carried into effect, a breach of the agreement arrived at with Mr. Massey will be made possible. A meeting ot the Grand Council of the association was held in Wellington yesterday to consider the position, and it was decided to forward a telegram to Mr. Massey at 11awera, asking him if he would see that the terms of the agreement made with the association in August last would be observed. No reply was received up till the time the meeting adjourned, and the council will meet again to-day. A Dominion reporter was informed that the locomotive men would not tolerate anything which they construed to be a breach of an agreement, and they were determined to oppose anything in the way of working broken shifts,