HC Deb 07 December 1937 vol 330 cc171-2
1. Mr. Lunn

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that Post Office telegraphists in Newfoundland are not graded as Civil servants although they are paid by the Government, and that they have no promotion rights into the Post Office Department although they combine the duties of telegraphist and postmaster at the outport offices; that when financial difficulties arose their wages were severely cut, and, although minor adjustments have been made since, their wages are still meagre, ranging in the larger offices from 45 to 93 dollars per month and in the smaller offices from 10 to 65 dollars per month; that there is no pay for overtime work and that the usual working time is from 9 to 12 hours per day; that, in an effort to improve their conditions these men have combined together in forming a division of the Commercial Telegraphers' Union, but the Department have refused to recognise the organisation on the ground that the men should have no affiliation with organisations in another country, although it is an autonomous unit and would conduct its own negotiations; that an appeal to the chairman of the Government Commission against this decision has failed; that sections of the Commercial Telegraphers' Union are recognised in Canada; and whether he will take the necessary steps to have this matter reconsidered?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

I am consulting the Governor regarding the questions raised, and will communicate with the hon. Member on receipt of his reply. In the meantime I may say that the Commission of Government have recently had under review the salary scales of assorting clerks and telegraphists at St. John's and of telegraph assistants in the more important offices in the out-ports, and that with my approval, improved scales of salary were introduced for both these classes of employés last month.

Mr. Lunn

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that these men have the right to join a trade union, which is the union recognised in Canada? Will he see to it that this disability is removed? Should they not have the same right as they would have here and be able to negotiate through their trade union?

Mr. MacDonald

I do not think that I can say any more until I have had an answer from the Government, and I will let the hon. Member know.