THE ENGINEERS' STRIKE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIV, Issue 1223, 10 December 1897, Page 6

THE ENGINEERS ' STRIKE.

The Engineers' Conference has adjourned until December 14 to enable the trades unions to ballot upon thfi decision arrived at. The outcome of the conference is that employers adhere at all points to the original position they took up. They demand the right to regulate individuality, piecework, and overtime. They require workmen to accept wages fixed according to their ability, and maintain their right to employ an unlimited number of apprentices. They ar.? willing to negotiate trades disputes with union officials, centrally or locally, after individual negotiations have failed, provided that, pending the discussion of disputes, work i« not stopped. The employers refuse the unionists' demand for 48 hourß a week, chiefly on the ground of increasing foreign trade competition. The workmen, on their part, are willing to concede employers the right to employ non-unionists, but object to the methods of regulating piecework and overtime. They demand the right to bargain for wages collectively and the fixing of the standard rate. With regard to the emp'oymcnt of apprentices", they require the ra>io to be one apprentice to every three journeyman ; and they insist on their d*mai.rl for 48 hours. In the face of the firm stand taken on both sides the outlook, as far as the conference resulting in a settlement of the difficulty is concerned, is considered doubtful. In tho erent of the conference between tho employers and the engineers failing to effect a solution of the difficulties, the London Tradrs Council suggest that a national convention of labour organisations should be held. The workmen's leaders predict the rejection of the terms insisted upon by the employers at the Engineers' Conference. The Engineers' Society is taking a ballot amongst 60,000 members now in work on the questions of increased strike levy and shorter hours. The Executive Committee are also appealing for further strike funds:. The Allied Trades Executive concur with the attitude adopted by the engineers.