In today’s edition of The Limerick Echo, we revisit an issue raised several months ago regarding the Great Southern and Western Railway Company’s adherence to the employment guarantees associated with the amalgamation. The query, previously discussed in these pages, pertained to the continuity of employment at the Locomotive Works in Limerick as stipulated in the terms of the amalgamation agreement.
This topic resurfaced during a recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, an assembly representing influential local figures, many of whom had strongly opposed the amalgamation. The Chamber took it upon themselves to address the Railway authorities about perceived discrepancies related to working hours and staffing reductions at the Locomotive Works. Alongside their correspondence, the Chamber included a newspaper clipping containing remarks by Judge Adams from the recent Quarter Sessions, in which he critically commented on the Railway Company’s fulfillment of their guarantees.
Responding to these concerns, the Railway Company’s secretary conveyed a vague statement to the Chamber of Commerce. The assertion was made that the Company had expended significantly more on wages in the Limerick workshops since amalgamation than they were obliged to according to the Act of Parliament. However, this assertion failed to satisfy the Chamber, particularly in light of Mr John Hayes’ serious allegations.
Mr Hayes, after thorough investigation, declared that the number of men in the fitters’ shop had drastically reduced from around 25 or 30 employees under the former Waterford and Limerick regime to just five or six. Similar conditions appeared to apply in other departments, with a considerable workforce now replaced by a large number of boys. Furthermore, Mr Hayes revealed that these remaining employees were working on reduced hours for months on end.
The situation at hand cannot be dismissed lightly. The vagueness of the Railway Company’s response and the uncertainty surrounding the employment conditions post-amalgamation raise valid concerns. There is a pressing need for transparent and concrete information. The Chamber of Commerce has formally requested a detailed breakdown of employment statistics for an equivalent period before and after the amalgamation. This data would help clarify whether the Company has lived up to its obligations.
While pursuing legal action to hold the Railway Company accountable might prove to be a costly endeavour, it is crucial that public opinion plays a significant role. As Mr Holliday remarked, the collective voice of the people should be forceful enough to ensure that the Great Southern and Western Railway Company upholds their commitments, and Limerick can rest assured that the integrity of the employment arrangements at the Locomotive Works has been maintained.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 02 January 1906
