RAILWAY SETTLEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1924, Page 3

RAILWAY SETTLEMENT.

RAILWAY SETT LEM ENT. VIEWS OF VICE-PRESIDENT. OF A.S.R.S. WELLINGTON, -May 22. ‘'When I read the terms of the settlement as outlined by the department I was astonished,” said Mr J. L. Churchhouse. vice-president of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. On the Saturday, after the men had been out for four days, the executive considered that an attempt should he made to bring about a settlement.'’ he continued. With this object in view they submitted three names of six gentlemen as a commission to inquire into the grievances of file men. After considerable delay this was rejected by the Government, hut immediately the society approached tiie ’.Minister as to the position. They were unofficially offered a similar commission to the one already refused, with no victimisation ; in other words, if the strike were called off the Government would resume negotiations with the society in exactly the same position as when the strike was declared on. “.Mr Coates had given his word in this matter.” said Mr Churehhoiise. "We considered it his bond. It was not until the men had been hack several days that the question of restoring privileges and superannuation rights was raised. An order to sever connection with the Alliance of Labour had been made, ft was then the men felt that the Government had put one across the society. It- had no alternative buC to cancel its affiliation. Mr Churchhouse thought the position humiliating and a great blow to unionism. The question had never been raised during any negotiations. 'I he employers were affiliated. II it "as good for employers to he affiliated why should not the same right lie given to the workers!' The statement made by Mr Coates that he approved of their receiving their privileges once they had cancelled their aliiliation was mislead-

ing, maintained Mr Churchhouse. as he knew of men in the second division "ho had enjoyed their privileges almost the same day as they went hack. Their annual holiday had been due am they were given the usual concessions automatically. ‘T want to sov,'* he continued, “that f do not think any Government would interfere with the superannuation rights of any section of the public service. At present we have a large number of men on superannuation, as well as a number of officers who are drawing a large salary in comparison with the basic wage received by many men of the second division. Mhat would file position In* it the Government had to pay hack approximately £300.000 to members of the second division.' Tn the first place the Government could not pay back the money unless they toed; it from the Consolidated Fund. In the uecond place, if the scheme fell through, there would he no superannuation for men of the second division. 11m* officers of the Department were too vitally interested to have any desire to see this threat carried out.”