STRIKE PREDICTED

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1924, Page 2

STRIKE PREDICTED

AT END OF NEXT WEEK. A.S.R.S. SECRETARY’S OPINION. [IIY TEUEUKAWI—I’KK PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, April 12. M. .1. Mack, Secretary to the A.S.R. S. alien asked yesterday when the Railwaymen's ballot was likely to complete, replied: “1 think you v.iii see practically the whole couutiy out |, v the end of next week, probably Saturday or Sunday. Al! the ballot papers should be in by then. LOCO ASSN. STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, April 12. Io a statement to the ‘'Evening Rost”‘to-day. the general Secretary ol the N'.Z. Locomotive Engineers. Filemen and Cleaners Association stated that tile policy ol bis Association was similar to that of other organisations. When a strike was in progress every member was expected to tid ids usual work, no more no le.-s. I hat is Hapolicy that is adopted by the Locomotive Associations throughout the wtV'ld and other organisations in N.Z., which was also tile policy of the A.S.R.S., in the Miners, Seamens and also Marine Engineers and officers in the seamen’s strike.

Participation i;i any strike by a sympathy strike of locomotive men called on at the I'-'th hour is not the policy of the Association. II the assistance nl the organisation is r-c sisiam-e of the organisation is reis acceded to. then the Association inns! lie allowed to watch the dispute ami hear hotli sides ol the question horn start to finish, and he allowed to make suggestions lor a settlement. Apart from the evidence given, there are eertain factors in a dispute which must he considered. as no 1-lh horn support can he given ii a proper attitude has not heen taken up in the dmputo by either party. The Association also desires consideration of its own position when its own claims are tinder eonsiderat;on, and where a sympathetic strike would affect their position detrimentally. Strikes liv Government employees are a serious proposition and cannot he taken on lightly or on immature or one-sided consideratin of a dispute. Hie Association’s sympathies naturally are with the pmplyoces and the present railway dispute probably could have hoen satisfactorily settled if consideration had been given to the policy of the Association, but in any case tbe dispute ol A.S.R.S. is not beyond hope as no filial word has been given by the Government.