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GOVERNMENT BILL TO BE INTRODUCED.

MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSED.

LONDON, March 16

It is officially announced that the Premier informed the Conference that tho Government intend to ask Parliament for a legislative declaration that a reasonable minimum wage, accompanied by safeguards for the employer, should bo a statutory portion of the contract with tho underground coalminers. Mr Asquith stated also that though tho Government had done the utmost in their power, they had most regretfully concluded that an agreement was not possible, and that other measures must be taken, considering the consequences to tho people. ■Without pledging the'Covernment in regard to tho precise machinery, tho Premier indicated that a direct minimum would be fixed locally by joint Boards, consisting of the representatives of tho employers and the employees, with a neutral independent chairman selected by both parties, or, if necessary, by the Government.,

Tho proposals includo provisions for securing that disputes shall be dealt with promptly.

Tho South Wales and the Scotch coalowners did not participate iv the last two days of the conference, as they desire tho Government to take tho responsibility for introducing a rainim«im wage. They believe that Parliament will ensure for them a nioro adequuto safeguard than would be secured by a voluntary agreement.

The real cause of the breakdown of the conference was the men's refusal to agree to arbitration., either ijpoii ;. l ;e amount of the minimum or upon tho nature of the safeguards.

It is eipected that tlio Government Bill will be introduced on Tuesday. Tho Miners' Federation meets aguin on Wednesday, and if possible they Vill then advise that work should be resumed when the Act receives tho Royal assent without waiting for local negotiations to settle wages.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19120318.2.36.2

Bibliographic details

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14306, 18 March 1912, Page 7

Word Count
285

GOVERNMENT BILL TO BE INTRODUCED. Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14306, 18 March 1912, Page 7

GOVERNMENT BILL TO BE INTRODUCED. Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14306, 18 March 1912, Page 7