P. AND T. STRIKE BALLOT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2721, 15 April 1924, Page 3

P. AND T. STRIKE BALLOT.

LACKS CONFIRMATION. Christchurch, Yesterday. The Press Association message, stating that .a strike ballot is being taken by the Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association, entirely lacks confirmation as far as we in Christchurch are concerned,” states the chairman of the North Canterbury section of the P. and T. Association to-day. He added that no hint or • suggestion that a strike ballot was likely to be taken had been received from the executive in Wellington. “It seems to me that the message is based on a mere conjecture. The North Canterbury section represents the district, frdm Kaikoura to Ashburton and as we are one of the largest sections in the Dominion, I do not/think it at all likely that the executive would take such action without giving us some intimation of it before hand. It is extremely improbable that our members would support a strike at this juncture, especially as we are at present negotiating with the Government in regard to the new classification list. Another important fact that should be borne in mind is that even if the majority of members of the Association voted for a strike, it is fairly certain a considerable minority would not go out, and if a strike is to be successful, it must have the unanimous support of members. I came in touch with a good number of our members, and I have not * heard one express himself in favour of a strike. It is possible, of course, that some members might favour a strike, but the great ipajority is against such action.” It is expected thht the salary recommendations under re-elassifiea-tion will be issued almost immediately and until they are considered bv members, any aetiou in the nature of a strike ballot is not regarded as in the least likely.

SALARY LIST TO BE SUBMITTED TO ASSOCIATION. Wellington, Yesterday. In connection with the re-classi-fication list, the Po4t and Telegraph executive lias received a communication from the Hon. J. G. Coates, Postmaster-General, to the effect that Cabinet had not yet met to consider the salary schedules, but woflld meet early next week. The Minister also /stated that previous arrangements as to submitting the salary list to the executive of the P. aiid T. Association would stand. ' Mr H. Combs, secretary of the P. and T. Association, who furnished the above information to the press, said he understood Cabinet, would meet either on Monday or Tuesday to discuss this and other matters.

On being informed of the comment of the chairman of the North Canterbury section of the P and T. Association regarding the strike ballot, Mr Combs said: “There has evidently been a misapprehension as to the true position, which is that the Wellington branch of the P. and T. Association has recommended that a strike ballot be taken. This recommendation is now before the executive which has been sitting iu Wellington for the past week. The executive is the body which will decide whether the request of the Wellington branch be acceded to or not. Mr Combs added: “All members will be advised as to what the next step is going to be.”