AUCKLAND TRAMS STILL SLOW

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 186, 3 May 1940, Page 10

AUCKLAND TRAMS STILL SLOW

Men Stand Firm For Wage Increase BOARD CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT l By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 2. Hope of a settlement in the tramway wages deadlock was improved today when Mr. C. L. Hunter, liaison officer to the Minister of Labour, arrived at Auckland and conferred with the chairman and officials of the Transport Board and representatives of the union. So far, however, the parties have shown no inclination to approach each other. Tlie board appears to be relying on tlie Court of Arbitration to pave tlie way for a settlement by facilitating hearing of its application for an interpretation of the clause in the men's agreement on which tlie latter base their claim. Tlie men are standing firm in their claim for an 8 per cent, increase.

The trams tire still going slow. Commenting on tlie “go-slow'’ policy, the chairman of the Transport Board. Air. W. 11. Nagle, said that not only had the efficient transport system been shattered by direct action of a section of the board’s employees, but'an unnecessary indignity had been inflicted on the pulllie. The revenue had seriously been affected, and it was obvious that revision of the whole service must be considered at the earliest possible moment. •“I have good grounds for believing,” said Mr. Nagle, "tliat if a ballot were taken among those operating the ‘goslow’ policy the result would be disapproval of the action taken and immediate abandonment of It. It seems imperative that some provision should be made tliat before any union can adopt a course having such-far-reaching effects as the present one it should lie compelled to take a ballot among all its members.” The x secretary of the union, Mr. Liddell, questioned today, said that the men had made their decision and intended to abide by it till the board had fulfilled its agreement to meet the increased cost of living.

GOVERNMENT ACTION URGED

Damage To Business Thought Likely (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 2. “If this continues indefinitely the damage to city business is likely to be serious,” said Mr. L. A. Eady, vicepresident. of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, in discussing tlie go-slow tactics of tramway employees at a meeting of the chamber. He stated the city was already suffering from the position and suggested that, tlie chamber should approach the Government to take action along constitutional lines. “It seems to me that the Tramway Union is flouting the law." said Mr. B. 11. Kingston. “It is a perfectly legal argument as to who is correct, and the Court, of Arbitration is the one to decide. The union can be deregistered if it does not play the game.” The matter was referred to the communications and transport, committee, which met immediately. It was decided to urge tlie Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, to use his influence end powers to bring about an early, settlement of the dispute on a constitutional basis.