asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that male telephone operators employed in the Department of Defence are not satisfied with their present rates of pay; and, if so, whether he will state the weekly wages of these telephone operators, the proposals, if any, he has under consideration for an increase in those rates and the increases, if any, that have been made in the pay of those operators since the 30th January, 1947.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Operators' Pay.
Representations were made regarding the rate of pay of a number of telephone operators employed in the Dublin area. These employees are at present paid £4 10s. 9d. per week. They were granted two increases since 30th January, 1947, when the rate of pay was £3 12s. 3d. per week, married (£3 10s. 3d. per week, single).
A claim was made for payment in accordance with a system of grading introduced by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs for male telephonists. Following examination the claim was rejected as the exchanges operated are regarded as simple in comparison with those operated by graded employees of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs in the Dublin area.