Born Gisborne. Joined Railways in 1939. Was General Secretary Locomotive Engineers Association.
File, Ernest W, 1921-
File, Bill, 1921-
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Audio
Interview with Bill File
Date: 1-4 September 1998 - 01 Sep 1998 - 04 Sep 1998
From: Trade union oral history project
By: File, Ernest W, 1921-
Reference: OHInt-0478/24
Description: Bill File born Gisborne 1921. Recalls origins of parents. Discusses childhood in Gisborne during Depression and love of rugby and injury resulting from the sport. Gives reasons for joining Railways in 1939 as locomotive cleaner and progression to railway fireman. Mentions first memory of union - father involved in the Timber Workers Union. Discusses conditions of work in railways and outlines labour process. Recalls transfer to Auckland and marriage 1942; election to Auckland branch committee of EFCA in 1944; becoming an engine driver; return to Wellington in 1955 and election as Grand Councillor 1958. Describes duties as National Councillor and time spent on advocacy for union members. Backgrounds appointment as General Secretary and terms of appointment. Recalls appointment by Tom Shand to Conscientious Objection and Compulsory Union Membership Board and mentions Bert Bockett who was chair of the Board. Refers to Trust Scheme to maintain wages of sick or injured union members. Discusses need for more stringent medical examination for locomotive men and EFCA response to disasters and accidents with reference to Manawatu Gorge derailment and serious accident outside Auckland which was blamed on poor training. Describes introduction of system for training locomotive trainees developed by the LEA in the 1970s `properly structured system of training'. Mentions Workmen's Compensation Act. Describes working for New Zealand Railway during the war. Recalls formation of Railways Industrial Tribunal. Discusses replacement of steam locomotives with diesel/electric engines. Mentions problems of compulsory unionism; relationship with FOL; Black Budget; Royal Commission to control railways in early 1950s. ECFA response to 1951 Waterfront Lockout / Strike; formation of the Bill File Scholarship; localised disputes; compulsory retirement age and Government Superannuation and own involvement in the Labour Party. Interviewer(s) - Shaun Ryan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007524-007528 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4.49 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1901.