INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9051, 23 July 1917, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST

THE COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY

CHIEF lIECO.MMENDATIONS

(Per' Press Association,—Copyright.)

(Received July 23, 11.50 a.m.)

LONDON, July 22. Tho report has been published of the Commission of Enquiry into industrial unrest.

Mr 6. M. Barnes,, M.P... summarising the reports of eight District Commissions, says they show a strong feeling of patriotism on the part of employers and employed, who are determined to help th-.j State in the present crisis. Feeling of a revolutionary character iB not entertained by the bulk of the'workmen; on the contrary, the majority are sensible to national difficulties. All -the commissions, emphasise that the leading cause of the unrest is the increased cost of living and the-unequal distribution of food. They believe the profiteering^ operations of the Munitions of War Act arc undoubtedly as serious a cause, particularly: through the restriction of tho workmen's opportunities of selecting their, sphere of labour, while the changes in working conditions, especially ...the introduction of .female labour, have bean made without consultation with workpeople. The . causes of unrp*t which are local arid not universal include inadequate housing, liquor restrictions, and industrial fatigue. There is also a prevailing feeling that pledges are no longer observed as before the war, and there is a woeful uncertainty as regaids the industrial futur*. „■-.

The Commissioners' recommend, inter alia:— • ' • . • (1) The immediate reduction of food prices (the Government -to some extent bearing the increased i price of food), and a- better system, of .distribution.. . (2) Labour to.,.participate in aftairs, and communicate a-s partners/ a:ather than as servants.'■'•:■ ' '; ' (3) Closer contact between employer and employed. (4) Larger disci etion should be granted to the Pensions Committees in the treatment of discharged soldiers. (o) Agricultural wages in the western area should be raised to 25s week-

ly. (6) The abandonment of coloured labour at ports.