TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1211, 21 August 1911, Page 5

TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.

COMMISSION TO'BE APPOINTED. -. ALL STRIKERS REINSTATED. (Rec, August 21, 0.25 a.m.) London, August 20. The conference between the railway companies ana tao men met at tho Board of 'J.rade offices. Besides the representatives of the parties, there were present: Tho Prime Minister (ilr. Asquitli), tho Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Lloyd(ieorge), the President of tho Board of Trado (Mr. Buxton), the Permanent Secretary of tho Board of Trade (Sir H. | Llewellyn Smith), Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald (Leader of tho Labour party). Mr. G. H. Claughton (chairman of the London and Nortfy-Western Company) stated that Sir Guy '• Granet '(general manager of the Midland Railway Company), and ho were authorised to meet tho men's representatives under tho special circumstances. He added that tho suggested terms had keen discussed and agreed to. Loyal Acceptance. Mr. Claughton and Mr. Guy Granot further stated that tho commission's recommendations would be loyally accepted, even though they were adverse to tho companies' contention on any question of representation, and in the event of a settlement any traces of ill-will arising from tho strike would c-srtainly bo effaced. After a prolonged discussion, a settlement to the strike was unanimously reached and signed, and tho strike was terminated forthwith. All the men involved in the striko or lock-out applying within reasonable time will be reinstated at the earliest practicable moment, and no proceedings are to bo taken, for breach of contract. ' Conciliation Boards. I The Conciliation Board will be con-1 vc-ned to settle all questions now in dispute. If the sectional boards fail to arrive at a settlement, the central boaid will meet immediately. 1 Steps will be taken forthwith to settle disputes between companies and the classes of employees not included in tho scheme of 1907 by conferences between representatives of companies and representatives of employees who are employed by the same company, and failing an agreement between them the Arbitration Commission mentioned in the messages of Thursday and Friday will bo appointed. Tho Commission will bo composed of five members, including an impartial chairman, and will be instructed to investigate the working of tho 1907 scheme and report as expeditiously as possiblo as changes aro desirable, with a view to a prompt settlement of the difference. Assurances were given that both parties will abide by the findings. Legislation Promised. The Government promised to legislate next session regarding tho increase in the cost of labour, due to the improvement of the conditions of tho staff, and the valid justification for a reasonable general increase in charges within the legal maximum.