WILL RESIST

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 July 1925, Page 5

WILL RESIST

OWNERS’ DEMANDS

REASONS FOR REJECTION

COAL MINING CRISIS.

BY CABLE —I’RESiJ ASSOCIATION —COP Y EIGHT LONDON, July 4.

The miners decided to resist the pioposals made by the coal-owners. It is stated on reliable authority that the coal-owners’ proposals provide for a reversion to tne eight-hour daj’. but if the miners will not agree to extend the seven-hour day the owners propose to sweep away the existing general minimum wages of 33 1-3 per cent, on the standard wages. The miners' executive considered the proposals and regarded them ns drastic and revolutionary in character. Strong opposition was expressed to the owners proposal for each district to have its own minimum rates. The Daily Herald (the Labour paper) states that the Miners’ Federation turned down the proposals for the following reasons: (1) The removal of guaranteed minimum wages, which are already below the cost of living level; (2) provision is guaranteed for profits irrespective of wages; (3) the proposals mean an immediate reduction in wages from 13.14 to 47.91 per- cent.; (4) the continued separation of mining operations from coking and other by-product departments. The miners are hopeful that they will receive help from other great unions in resisting tne coal-owners’ proposals. Sir Herbert Smith presided at a meeting of the sub-committee appointed to work out details of the proposed alliance of miners, railwaymen, .transport workers and engineers. The subcommittee was engaged for two hours amending the suggested constitution of the alliance. This must be submitted to the various unions and to further conferences.

What the miners most resent is the suggestion that owners’ profits should become a. first charge on industry, and the minimum wage disappear from the national scheme. They regard the proposals as a reversion to district settlements and a consequent weakening of the federation. The only hope is for a conference before July 31, when the existing agreement will terminate, and there is a. posisbility of Government inteivention.