MASTERS REJECT TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14907, 21 February 1914, Page 11

MASTERS REJECT TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.

(Bf C*.le.—Press As*aci*tio_.— Copyright) SYDNEY, February 20.

The hopes that a binding compromise had been reached on Mr W. Estell's suggestion, and that the 6trike was practically settled, have vanished.

Tho men's acceptance of the Minister's proposal for a flat rate increase of os 4d above the award rates, with hours not exceeding 49. a week, as a basis for an immediate resumption of work, wa* submitted to a meeting of employers, Mr Estell understanding that the employers were prepared to favourably consider it.

The meeting closed at midnight, and resulted iv the masters rejecting tho terms.

In a letter to the Under-Secretary for Labour covering the decision, the employers state that from first to last the committee appointed to deal with the matter have taken the position that it could not make any offer of settlement to the employees, and that the matter must be dealt with constitutionally, and in accordance with the Arbitration Act. The letter adds- that the committee suggested that if tbe men made an offer it might bo considered, but as they have relused to make 6uch an offer, the committee takes the stand that the dispute must be dealt with under the laws of the State.

This means that tbe employers insist on the men resuming under the terms of the old award, and the troublo would then be submitted to the Arbitration Court.

Mr Estell, replying to the employers' letter, claims that they have failed to appreciate the constitutional aspect of the matter, and have overlooked the fact that an award is in existence. His proposal was to use the Industrial Court to procure an immediate interim award, on which operation* could be resumed. It is useless for the masters to say that an offer from the men will be considered when, as a matter of fact, they havo refused two invitations to meet the employees at a joint conference. Throughout the negotiations the employers had given him the impression that they would be tho first to accept suggestions submitted for an honourable and peaceful settlement.