The Railwaymen's Wage The wage increases for railwaymen recommended by
the Railway Staff National Tribunal, presided over by Sir Arthur Salter, appear to rest on a just estimate of the various factors involved on either side. The history of the question goes back to the 5 per cent. wage cuts of 193 r, of which 31 ?'„ had been restored by successive decisions. In the last few years the railways have gained considerably through rating relief, and within the past month the Railway Rates Tribunal has authorised them to raise their charges for the transport both of passengers and goods by 5 per cent. In the face of that the railwaymen's claim for a restoration of the 1931 wages in full was irresistible, though it has to be remembered that railway costs are increasing heavily and the net revenue is still well below the 1931 figure. Even so the railwaymen get much less than they asked. The cost of meeting their full demands, which included a minimum wage ,of 5os. a week, would have been prohibitive. As it is 4os. is fixed as the minimum basic wage, and increases of Is. a week to all men receiving less than 45s. are recommended ; the old overtime rates are restored. The total cost is just under £3,000,000. In considering these rulings it must always be remembered that the railwaymen's is a sheltered trade, untouched by foreign competition, and that there is practically no unemployment.
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