HC Deb 09 November 1908 vol 195 c1707
MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the extra men to be employed as letter-sorters at the Leeds Post Office during the pressure of Christmas work are required to accept a reduction of 2d. per hour, namely, to receive 6d. per hour as against 8d. per hour paid last year, and that these men are required to work at night without any extra pay; and whether, in view of the responsible character of the work to be performed, he will say why the same pay and conditions should not be paid these men as was the case last year.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

The system of payment at Leeds has been brought into line with that prevailing elsewhere. In addition to the general rate of 6d. an hour, the men will receive the usual allowances for night duty, for work performed on Sunday and Christmas Day, and for any overtime. These concessions they have not previously enjoyed, and on the whole their total earnings under this year's arrangement will probably exceed those of previous years.

MR. O'GRADY

But are not the wages reduced?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

That may be so, but in the end the amount will probably exceed what it did last year.

MR. O'GRADY

Does it in any way diminish unemployment by allowing men to work night and day on the assumption that they will earn more wages at the reduced rate than at the ordinary rate?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Their normal hours will be eight, some will be day work and some night work, and they will get extra payment for Christmas and New Year's days.