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Workshop Committees

(By E. T. Spidy, Superintendent of Workshops)

In connection with the re-organisation of Loco Branch Workshops there are a number of matters that vitally concern the men and in order to secure a measure of co-operation from all concerned it has been decided to establish a committee of the men at each workshop, in order to provide a means of making the men at the shop conversant with the plans of the Department and also that the Department may receive the views and opinions of the men concerned.

Committees are to consist of one man from each shop or Department and are to be elected annually. The Department will in no way interfere with the selection of the committee men; it will merely oversee the ballot. This becomes necessary by reason of the fact that the shop men are in three classes, those in either of the two Societies and those in none. The workshops committees will deal with matters pertaining to their own shop, and their establishment in no way affects the status or methods of the existing societies.

Essentially, Workshops Committees are expected to become constructive agents in the fostering of a good esprit de corps in our shops. Much has been said to the effect that the Department does not take the men into its confidence, that the men could help if they only knew what was going to be done, and so on.

The purpose of the committee scheme is to allow the management to give that confidence, and to officially provide a means for the men to express themselves.

In operation the Workshop Manager will call meetings of the Committee at least monthly or oftener as may be desired or necessary. The committee may meet at the place provided, at its own convenience. The committee will elect its own chairman. A Committeeman may interview his foreman at any time concerning a shop matter, and if it requires to be referred to the Workshop Manager, the Committeeman and his Chairman may make an appointment with the Workshop Manager. The idea, also, is to provide a line of definite action to prevent grievances developing.

It is desirable that no actual limitations be placed on the Committee as to what they may, or may not deal with, other than that their concern is their own Workshop. The things that interest us to-day may not be the things that concern us a couple of years from now.

Here are some of the subjects that we know are in line for co-operative action by the Committee:—

Transfers from shop to shop:

In this connection, the Staff Department will handle transfers as formerly, but the Committee would be advised of the plans, and be able to assist the men in their shop very materially, by. bringing forward questions and suggestions that will enable the transfers to be carried out as smoothly as possible.

Housing Requirements:

The Department is willing to co-operate in the development of the best scheme offering in order to secure or arrange housing for men under transfer.

Safety First:

There is good scope for shop committees to assist the management in this connection, and at the same time protect themselves.

Lavatories, and Locker Rooms; Bicycle Accommodation:

Co-operative effort is desired with regard to proper facilities being provided in new shops, to suit the convenience of the men.

Dining Rooms:

There are questions as to what facilities shall be provided in Workshops dining rooms, and the best method of catering.

Social Hall Management:

These halls are being provided for the welfare of the staff, and shop committees could help considerably in the development of the social arrangements, to foster the the best spirit.

Premium System:

When the system is started there may be many details that the shop committee will want to satisfy itself about, which can be properly explained through the medium of the committee.

Sundry Shop Suggestions:

Questions and complaints regarding cleanliness, sanitation, etc., are bound to occur, and the shop committee method provides a quick course of representation.

It is hoped that the Committee selected will consist of men of broad views whose chief aim will be to advance the welfare of the men and the Department. Committees so constituted have proved of great benefit in many other similar Workshops and the same can be accomplished here by sound team work.

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