STRIKE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1924, Page 3

STRIKE NEWS.

[by TELEGRAPH PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.] GREYMOUTH STRIKE NEWS. GREYMOUTH, April 17. Should a stirko eventuate and the postal as well as the railway services cease, a majority of the smaller West Coast communities will be isolated. The A.S.R.S. ballot papers went forward this morning. -Members strongly favour a strike. Tlie E.F.C'.A. attitude is as yet uncertain. The R. 0.1. has definitely taken the stand that they will support the decision of the headquarters of the Institute. On Tuesday the P. and T. passed the following resolution :—This Association demand; that unless a standard schedule of wages is made available in two days, a conference bo called. A strike will mean a cessation of work on the wharf, as well as on the railway. RAI LAYAYM EX’S DECISIONS. TI.MARU, April 17. Local officials of the A.S.R.S. challenge two statements in tlie Alinister’s circular, the statement that the men are paid overtime after 44 hours. 'Phis they state is incorrect, the Department having power to work men on the day shift from 8 lo 5 to 48 hours a week and the time between 44 hours and -18 to he paid for at a flat rate though certainly it a man works nine hours in any one dav he would%bc paid overtime and the hour counts to the weekly total: but the stress that overtime is not paid until 48 hours is worked, hence the circular is misleading.

The second point raised deals with the question of rent we challenge. The Alinitser’s statement that the average rent is 8s and ask him to reconsider that with his associalioned statement last week that rent was 18s 9(1. Roth questions were referred to the railway officers institute ollicials by mail, ft is reported they are confirming the A.S.R.S. view. Oaniaru branch holds a meeting tonight to go into the matter. Ralmerston South last night passed a resolution unanimously on lines of the recent Wanganui meeting.