THIS BOOTMAKERS' STRIKE.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7355, 6 July 1889, Page 6

THIS BOOTMAKERS' STRIKE.

The consideration of the questions submitted to Messrs W. White, junr., and J. L. Scott, as arbitrators in connection with the differences between the employers and employes in the boot trade, took place at the Druids' Hall last night. The first question considered was the following proposition drawn up by the men : —" That every employer shall be allowed to work his men overtime, providing that each man receives threepence per hour over and and above what he earns whilst working overtime. This includes piecework as well as weekly wage hands, members of the Union. This applies to bottoming department only. No overtime shall be allowed on Saturday afternoons." Evidence was taken on both sides, and the consideration was adjourned till 7.30 p.m., when Mr Toomer made the following proposition before the arbitrators had considered the point:—" That if the men work more than two hours on each of two nights in any week overtime shall be paid for at the rate of 3d per hour in addition to their ordinary earnings or piecework. That if they are asked, to work beyond 5.30 p.m. on any of the other four nights in the week the overtime at the above rate be also allowed. If the men are kept waiting for work during the day and are asked to work overtime in consequence, the extra rate of 3d per hour to be paid." The arbitrators deferred their decision on this question, pending the Union taking it into consideration. The following clause was proposed by the Union on the subject of clickers' wages—" That with reference to clickers' wages, and the question of 35e per week minimum be ■ referred to arbitration." After taking evidence on the point on both sides, Mr Toomer made the following proposition, which was accepted by the Union, viz.:— " That they would agree to pay the minimum rate of 354 per week provided they are allowed the following, viz.—One apprentice to three men, two to five, two to six, three to eight or nine, four to eleven or twelve, five to fourteen, and soon In proportion; the same limit as now exists, viz., six months, to apply from above date."