TELEGRAPH OPERATORS' STRIKE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 5, 6 January 1880, Page 2

TELEGRAPH OPERATORS' STRIKE.

f New Zealander, January 5.] The strike amongst the telegraph operators still continues, but, so far, little inconvenience has been felt, owing to the arrangements that have been made by the department. It seems, that altogether no less than 43 operators joined in tho movement— viz.., 21 at Blenheim, 8 at Napier, 2 in Wellington, and 12 in Dunedin. Of these, one in Wellington has offered to come back, ooe in Napier bas returned to bis duty, and six at the same place have asked for reinstatement. At Dunedin and Blenheim they still stand out. We are indebted to Dr. Lemon, the Superintendent of Telegraphs, for the following information in reference to the dispute in question. The aggregate salaries of the youug men on strike amount to between £50Q0 and £6000 a year. The average age of the Blenheim operators and those at Napier is about 19 years. It is not true, as we are informed, that any operator is required to work more than eight hours a day without being paid overtime, and witbin the last few days a circular, intimating that fact, has been sent round. At many of the stations the operators were not called on even to work for the eight hours. At Blenheim, on the Ist of the year, the staff had special information as to overtime being allowed, and operators who were formerly getting .£l4O a year were notified tbat they would be paid at the rate of £160, the increase to date from the Ist of July last. The ages of these throughout the colony range from 19 to 23. Apparently there must be some misunderstanding, for Dr Lemon states positively that only eight hours work per diem is expected of any operator, unless he be paid overtime, but the operators, on the other hand, as sturdily declare that under late regulations they are to get no overtime at all, no matter how many hours they are employed. It is to be hoped tbat some satisfactory settlement will be come to speedily, and that such clear regulations will be laid down as will prevent the possibility of doubt or uncertainty arising. The following circular was issued by Dr Lemon as soon as the strike took place: — '■All operators wbo have struck work, charge them with refusal of duty and suspend them. If any of them wish to return to work, they must apply at once for permission to do so. The Government is perfectly prepared to deal with this difficulty, and every operator who does not offer to teturn to work to-morrow morning will certainly be dismissed from the service. On the other hand, those operators who remain on duty will receive special remuneration for their work, and will be remembered in the matter of promotion. In the abolition of overtime the present Government are carrying out the intentions of their predecessors, of which the present Government approve, and which has received the direct sanction of Parliament. Increases of salary have been authorised in consequence. Under these circumstances, to subject the public to the inconvenience caused by a partial suspension of telegraph work is altogether unpardonable, and will be severely punished. You will not allow any of the operators on strike to come into the office on any account, and I trust the good sense of the loyal ones will cause them to refrain from holding, any communication with the disaffected. By order of the Telegraph Commissioner— C. Lemon, Superintendent."