TO STRIKE OR NOT TO STRIKE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3443, 24 March 1920, Page 4

TO STRIKE OR NOT TO STRIKE.

RAILYVAY IMEN TAKING A ‘ BALLOT.

WELLINGTON, March 23‘

It is_now stated’ officially that members; of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants are balloting on the question of a strike. After -the recent meeting of the executive, the officers of the A.S.R.S. said that a. decision had been reached but that no move would be made until they had interviewed the Minister of Railways (Mr Massey) and ascertained what was the attitude of the Government regarding the Railway Commissicn’s report, but Mr Masseyfs stay in hospital is proving more lengthy than anticipated, and the ballot is pl'OC't‘.’.’ding. The members of the A.S.R.S. are being asked to vote on the issues: (1) Acceptance of the I~ate~'s= of pay proposed by the Railway Commiszsion; or (2) A strike in support of the full demands of the Association. The branches are to make their returns to the Executive not later than April 17th. If the decision is in favour of a. strike, the fixing of ‘the date will he in the hands of the executive. in

the meantime the executive will intanView Mr Massey and ask for a. definife statement of the Government’: in‘ tentions.

Mr M, J. Mack, secretary of the A.S.R.S. stated to-day that the executive realised Mr Massey could not. discuss matters with them during his stay in hospital. They understood also that the recommendations of the Railway Commission were not necessarily the decision of the Government but the railwaymen were not prepared to let the grass grow under their feet. Long negotiation and much delay had taken place already, and members of the service considered that the time had come for a setflement of their claims. The executive would interview Mr Massey as early as possibie.