SLUMP IN STRIKES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 71, 23 March 1912, Page 12

SLUMP IN STRIKES.

Alarm has been aroiu>ed among a section of the leaders of unions associated with the Trades Hall (says a Melbourne message dated sth inst.) at the readiness manifested in some quarters lo strike over disputes with employers. The matter hae been earnestly discussed for a considerable period.. It is recognised that much harm has resulted to the Labour cause generally by the hasty actions of men who have been led by those known as "revolutionaries." How to prevent any further disorganisation by the downing of tools where grievances can possibly be remedied by other means is causing the more levelheaded men much thought. During the last five years £35,497 at least has been contributed by Victorian unions in strike Jovies. The drains on their financial resources to maintain strikers has been particularly severe. During the lust two years the Butchers' Union has contributed nearly £1500, of which sum i! 1600 was paid away in 1911. ftince the beginning of 1910 the Boot Trade Employees' Union has subscribed £1322 in strike donations. The Victorian unions contributed £10,254 to tho Broken Hill miners and £6000 to the Newcastle miners. The feeling is growing that a representative body should exist to determine, when there is a dispute, whether it is justifiable to strike. Several leaders in the trades union movement have contended that, had there been such a body in Victoria during the last two years, certain strikes would not have occurred. A proposition to establish on Industrial Disputes Committee will be laid before the next meeting of the Trades Hall Council.