LABOUR MATTERS

Press, Issue 16678, 12 November 1919, Page 9

LABOUR MATTERS

WAGES OF RAILWAYMEN

FURTHER, DEMANDS

(By Cable—Preas Association—Copjri»it.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, November 8.

The railway wage question is again threatening. Spccial delegates to a conference of the National Union decided that the demand for tho standardisation of wngr-s must be immediately settled. The decision was communicated to the Prime Minister, who agreed to meet the executive on November 13th.

Tho men demand tho fullest standardisation, namely, that each grade shall bo paid the highest pre-war rate paid by any railway company, plus 33s war wage, "and contend that this principle, winch was established in the case of drivers and firemen, must be extended to all railway employees. The Government contends that the drivers' settlement established no principle, but merely g n ve them their deserts. The "Daily Telegraph" states that the delegates" adopted an extreme attitude, r.nd instructed the executive to inform the Prime Minister that delay will not bo tolerated. Mr J. H. Thomas declares that the settlement must be immediate and satisfactory. It is suggested in some quarters tliat tho renewal of the Union's extreme demands must be taken in connexion with the reported Government preparations for possible eventualities. The "Daily Express" states that a circular was recently issued to students in a large engineering college in London, asking if they wero prepared to volunteer tneir services. It is reported thait 1800 volunteers wero enrolled for the London underground lines. Union officiate assert that an extensive organisation is already in existence for replacing strikers. AIMERICAN MINERS' DISPUTE. ("Tho Timea.") "WASHINGTON, November 10. It is -understood that the united mine workers' leaders refuse to obey tho Court's mandamus for tho cancellation, of tho strike. AN AUSTRALIAN STRIKE. SIELBOURNE, November 11. In consequciico of tho non-settlement of tho strike, the Federal Government is closing the trans-Australian line until arrangements are possible to conduct the traffic -without interruption. The families of the employees between Tarcoola and Kalgoorlie arc being removed. EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE. SYDNEY, November 11. The report of the conference of employers recently held in Melbourne to consider trade relationships recommends the continuation of the present system of arbitration for settling wages and -working conditions; that Parliament decide the number of hours to constitute a week's work; the adoption of the Whitley scheme in a modified form; the introduction of profit-sharing, where practicable; the adoption of payment ny results; unemployment insurance by general taxation; assistance to employees to build homes, and a Commonwealth legal endowment for children tinder 14. where the wages of the parents do not- exceed the stipulated amount.