RAILWAY WAGES

[Dizzi R.I.P.]

Extracts from Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century Newspapers

Railway Wages


From the "Sphere" dated October 11, 1919 as transcribed by Bev Edmonds

Railway Guard The railway guard, like the porter, is likely to have his wage augmented at times by tips, but not to the same extent as a porter at a terminal station.
The Porter: The porter's wages have not been as high as the engine-driver's and fireman's. It is recognised that the porter gets tips which rarely, if ever, reach the other grades.
The Signalman The signalman's task is a very important one, for any lapse on his part is apt to have disastrous results. In any case the slip leads to some trouble immediately noticeable.
The Engine-driver The engine driver occupies the leading position in the Railwayman's world. His wages were settledAugust 20 last. The Government conceded the demand as regards the first and second years' employment.
The Stoker or Fireman The wages of this grade of railwayman were settled at the agreement of August 20
The Shunter The work of the shunter is arduous, and entails risk...................? his wages are among those which........................./ the driver's wages..................? {sorry all this is missing}
The Wages of the 65,000 drivers and fireman were settled at the agreement on August 20 last after a period of great tension Men's Demands per Day Govt's First Offer The Agreed Terms
s. d. s. d. s. d.
Drivers and Motormen

1st and 2nd years
12.0 11.0 12.0
3rd and 4th years
14.0 13.0 13.0
5th, 6th, and 7th
16.0 14.0 14.0
8th and onward
15.0
Fireman and Assistant Motormen.

1st and 2nd years
9.6 8.0 9.6
3rd and 4th years
10.6 9.0 10.6
5th and onward
? ? 11.0
Cleaners
Unavailable due to bad condition of paper.
? ? ?
The Government's statement regarding the wages offered to grades other than the driver's, fireman, and cleaners. Present Wage with present Flat Rate bonus Total of Government Offer
Shillings Shillings
Porters 49-55 49-55
Parcel Porters 53-63 53-63
Ticket Collectors 54-64 54-64
Passenger Guards 58-68 58-68
Goods Guards 58-68 58-68
Shunters 53-64 53-64
Goods Porters 53-59 53-59
Checkers 54-64 54-64
Carmen 53-62 53-62
Platelayers 54-57 54-57