STRIKE OF TELEGRAPH OPERATORS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1830, 3 January 1880, Page 3

STRIKE OF TELEGRAPH OPERATORS.

Considerable excitement was caused during yesterday when it became known that a large number of the telegraph operators throughout the colony had declined duty. The cause alleged for this step was that the operators, by the new regulations, coming into force on January Ist, were deprived of overtime and had to work long hours without remuneration. On the other hand, it was pointed out by the Government that not only had overtime been paid for up to the Ist January, but that an increase of salary had been granted to the operators in lieu of the overtime, such increase to take effect as from Ist July last. Immediately on the news reaching OhristMessrs McQinnerty and Sleddings made arrangements for the supply of the offices between Christchurch and Dunedin, and at Dunedin itself, by calling in the out-district operators and also reinforcing these by a detachment from the Christchurch office, the operators in which did not join the strikers. These were despatched south by special train, leaving Christchurch at 2 p.m. yesterday, and would reach Dunedin about 1 a.m. Shortly after the despatch of these reinforcements, a message was received from the Oamaru malcontents desiring to return to duty, but as their places were filled by the reliofjfrom* Christchurch, no notice was taken of their submission. Thanks to the efforts of the gentlemen named and the Christchurch staff, there was no interruption to the public business, and telegrams were sent as usual. The only alteration will be for a short time in the hours, which will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for public work. Press messages will be despatched and received as usual. The Assistant Secretary had arranged to send a further supply of operators South this afternoon, but the staffs at the various stations are sufficiently strengthened to carry out the work.

Eespecting the Northern stations, it appears that at Wellington only six of the operators struck, which caused no inconvenience whatever. The Auckland staff declined to join in the movement, stating that if they had any grievance they would bring it before the head office in a proper manner. The following telegrams have been received on the subject from various stations :—• Blbnheim, January 2. Twenty-three Blenheim operators have refused to work on the new system, and are determined to resist the extension of hours and abolition of overtime. A deputation waited on the officer in charge and requested payment of salaries up to December 31st, which was refused. The operators allege that they will take legal proceedings. The men say they are willing to work the usual hours, with overtime allowances, as hitherto. Several men have already received offers of other employment and some are leaving Blenheim. Dunedin, January 2. Twelve operators here have joined the strike. Intbeoabgill, January 2. All six telegraph operators, except the officers in charge, struck, absenting themselves this morning in concert with the employes of the other chief offices, owing to the stoppage of overtime. Wellington, January 2. It is generally understood that the number of men on strike is 100. The strike has caused considerable delay of messages, and a large number af telegrams pat in for the evening papers were returned at six o’clock this evening, the operators being unable to get them off during the day. Several operators have returned to duty. The Stella leaves at midnight for Picton with operators for Blenheim. The following circular was issued by Dr Lemon “All operators who have struck work, charge them with refusal of duty and suspend them. If any of them wish to return to work, they must apply at once for permission to do so. The Government is perfectly prepared to deal with this difficulty, and every operator who does not offer to return to work to-morrow morning will certainly be dismissed from the service. On the other hand, those operators who remain on duty will receive special remuneration for their work, and will be remembered in the matter of promotion. In the abolition of overtime the present Government are carrying out the intentions of their predecessors, of which the present Government approve, and which has received the direct sanction of Parliament. Increases of salary have been authorised in consequence. Under these circumstances, to subject the public to the inconvenience caused by a partial suspension of telegraph work is altogether unpardonable, and will be severely punished. You will not allow any of the operators on strike to come into the office on any account, and I trust the good sense of the loyal ones will cause them to refrain from holding any communication with the disaffected. By order of the Telegraph Commissioner—o. Lemon, Superintendent.” Napieb, January 2. Nine telegraphic operators struck here today, but work is proceeding as usual.