RAILWAY STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1924, Page 1

RAILWAY STRIKE.

THE EIGHT JJOI'R DAY LOST

WELLINGTON, June V

Since the railwaymen returned to work after eight days’ strike various developments have taken place which have aroused resentment over what they consider is thu vindictive I ceding displayed by tlie Department or tlna Government.

First their return of superannuation privileges was made conditional on withdrawal from the Alliance ol Labour. This difficulty having been surmounted the Department instructed a -tS-hoiir week in place ol the 1 1-hour week which had prevailed sim i• 132!.

Wellington ra i I way men are now ex pressing strong opinions over what they deelaic is another encroachment oil their former privileges, the Gov ernment having taken a way their eight -In nr day. li i- said that the Department will not iccogni-c a- overtime tile time worked alter eig!:! hours in any day unless alter 1“ p.m.. when the special night rate operates. No overtime is allowed until torty eight hours have I .eon worked, as the Government has declined to recognise the former agreement that each day stod by itself for compulation of overtime.

The official justification is that, under the pre-strike system the Departm. nt: sometimes had to pay overtime on overtime, namely overtime ell an ighi -hour day and overtime on a 41hour week,

Bailwavim-n consider there lias been a breach of faith by tlie Minister of Railways as they expected, and were si advised by their executive recently, that they would have their ease placed before the coining tribunal without any variation from former conditions, except the extension ol the week to forty-eight hours.