RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1918, Page 7

RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES.

DEMANDS FOR INCREASE. By Telegraph.—Press Association, Wellington, Oct. 30. The Executive Council of the New Zealand Locomotive Engineers, Firemen and Cleaners' Association decided to agree to the men's demand for a sec-" ret ballot if the majority of tho Dominion councillors confirm this step. The council is making an appeal to the people to sec that tlie men are not worked under worse, conditions than they are working under themselves. The men contend that war bonuses do net act fairly with men in receipt of overtime, for'which they only get the flat rate.. , They demand increased wages to the extent of at least sufi!eieut equal to the purchasing power of the wages received in 1900. They also ask, for overtime rates for cleaners for over eight *hours and overtime at a rate-and-a-half for engineers and firemen when over 48 hours have been worked, and double time for over 00 hours m a week, time and a-half between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., double time on Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday, and the 13 day§ statutory holidays, increased lodging allowance to men temporarily away from home, minimum timer between shifts to be eight hours. - ' ; ■ The ballot will be taken immediately if approved by the Dominion councillors to ascertain what action, the men desire taken to secure compliance with their request for better wages and conditions.