LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 1947

THE EDITOR'S NOTES

ABSENTEEISM, LONG HOURS, 

AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

We join with those who are expressing concerning at the continuance of degrees of "Absenteeism" at a number of locomotive depots. We do this because we believe that all those who feel a sense of responsibility for workers in the Railway Service recognise that it is a condition of things which must be examined.

 LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

MARCH 1947

THE EDITOR'S NOTES

COAL AND TRANSPORT

At the time of going to press the question of the supply of coal is paramount in the minds of most citizens of the country and is hitting the headlines of all newspapers. There is little doubt that the climatic conditions which we have experienced during the past five weeks have served to emphasise the need for the greater production of coal. This, we believe, will be recognised by all progressive minded persons. Obviously it has not been easy to recruit new men as miners. For this there are many reasons and causes which we do not propose to enumerate here. The facts demonstrate that more men must be induced to enter the mines for the purpose of getting coal, and this inducement will only be possible if the conditions of work for the miner are considerably improved. Rates of pay and hours of duty obviously should be such as can be looked upon as being satisfactory, and we commend the claim of the miner to the sympathy of all right thinking people.

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL 

MARCH 1947

PAGE 75

SELHURST BRANCH.

It is the duty of all men to attending meetings when available. On Sunday, February 2, we organised an open meeting for the purpose of gleaning knowledge on the suggested 88 hour fortnight. In the absence of the E.C. member, we had the pleasure of Bro. Cleaver (Organiser), at very short notice, to address the meeting. Although not being well informed on the latest negotiations, he was able to give those present food for thought on policy of our Society leading up to the present suggested step. At the time of writing, our members are not convinced that it will be beneficial, seeing that we already work 26 Sundays each year, and our duties are all passenger work. I would recommend that all readers of the Locomotive Journal pick up February’s issue and read again the General Secretary’s notes, Bro. J.F. Sharman’s report, Scottish Opinion, Bro. Simer's article, Bro. Monslow on Nationalisation, and last, but not least, Bill Juke’s Call to Action. All, in their way, should make us realise what is at stake, and from now on resolve to work as we never worked before for the ideal of us all, which is to provide for a better and fuller life. no periodical, magazine or journal contains such a wealth of sane writing for the price.

W.B.

 LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

MAY 1947

THE EDITOR'S NOTES

DISCIPLINE - SUSPENSION AND LOYALTY

On March 22nd, motormen on the Eastern Section of the Southern Railway demonstrated their sympathy for a colleague who was suspended on that day as a result of a decision reached under the Disciplinary Procedures, by themselves declining to appear for duty. This action was unofficial and against the advice of Society headquarters, created tremendous inconvenient or many thousands of the travelling public, and, of course, hit the headlines of the London daily Press. The reports on the incident were in the main quite factual, and to that extent could in no way be objected to. We do not propose to enter here into the merits of incident which resulted in this drastic action. It is, however, impossible to dispel the admir-ation which has been expressed in many quarters of the undivided loyalty and self sacrifice, even though misplaced, which was shown by all concerned to a colleague. On the other hand, those who have to deal with these matters officially must reach their conclusion on all the evidence which is presented and give their advice accordingly, and they naturally desire to see the loyalty to the Society being given first preference at all times. We do not say this with object of enforcing hard headed dictatorial discipline, but because a measure of disciple is essential to the retention of the power of a union with those with who they negotiate and deal from time to time. Indeed, just as in a well ordered society reasonable discipline comes imperative, as too does it apply in the trade union world.

 LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 1947

THE EDITOR'S NOTES

THE PRESENT CRISIS

We feel compelled to make reference to the above in spite of the fact that the subject has been filling the headlines of the Press of the country for several days. Our reason for so doing is because of the effect which the Government policy may have upon railwaymen in general in the coming months.

Only a person blinded by prejudice (or. should we say, a Tory politician) would be doing any- thing under the present circumstances to create undue difficulty for the Government in the task which lies before them. We find it paradoxical and, under other circumstances, perhaps amusing, when we recognise that first, Labour's opponents suggest that the steps outlined by the Prime Minister to Parliament in his statement on the Economic Crisis are not sufficiently drastic. This is followed by other statements on the Supplies and Services Bill, which is to give the Government policy, and it is then said by the same critics that this Bill gives too much to the Government. Either we intend to face up to the circumstances which surround us, and these are certainly not of our choosing, or we enter a period of acting in a manner which can be described as merely "drifting." Does this country desire to be a pawn in the hands of the United States of America, or, indeed, of any other country? We think not. That being so, we must decide how to make ourselves independent of any other country, but at the same time to maintain friendly relations with them all. This is behind the policy of the Labour Government. If, as they must, they take powers to make effective their own proposals, how can we complain? All that is being done on the Supplies and Services Bill is to the Govern-ment to take more serious steps than are at present outlined IF THEY THINK THIS NECESSARY.

Whether such steps will be necessary will largely depend upon the approach which the nation makes to the Government's request.

We in the Trade Union world are always diffident of surrendering privileges or right which we have obtained by sheer hard work or endeavour, even for a limited period of time. No one denies that under present circumstances too many people are employed in industries and services which are not essential. If by a modified Control of Engagement Order the avenues of recruitment of additional workers to these industries are closed, can there be anything wrong with this? Such an innovation presupposes that the wages rates and conditions of work in the essential industries must be placed at a reasonably high level. The If a policy of this character succeeds, the absolute direction of labour as we understand it will not be necessary.

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL 

DECEMBER 1947

PAGE 309

SELHURST BRANCH

Since our last report we have had visits by Bro. Cleaver (Organiser), to address members on that vexed question of housing. Whilst the present system gives only limited scope to him as Liaison Officer, our members are satisfied that motormen are at least having consideration alongside other key grades.

Rest Days! Implementation of same has revealed that the Electrical Section is working very near the bone for manpower. This position will have to be closely watched by Sectional Council.

We had the pleasure of the company of Bro. W. Isaac, Chairman of Sectional Council Employees’ Side, at our October 27 meeting, his short address was appreciated by all present.

All men in Steam and Electrical branches in electrified areas are asked to take note of the promotional machinery that will soon be a national agreement. There are some far reaching changes. Go to your meetings and keep in touch with current affairs! On the lighter side, we had our first Social and Dance on October 21. Results were very encouraging. Our best thanks to all who made the evening successful, including Mrs. and the Misses Boniface and Bro. Mutter for raffle prizes - and to our colleagues from Wimbledon and Norwood Junction for their support. Don’t forget Carnival Dance, December 28! let’s have a “Bumper” evening together.

W.B.