COTTON DISPUTE

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 17 August 1929, Page 5

COTTON DISPUTE

ARBITRATION AGREED TO. MILLS RE-OPEN ON MONDAY. RELIEF ON BOTH SIDES. (British Official Wireless./ RUGBY, Aug. 15. Representatives of employers and operatives in the cotton industry met in Manchester to-day to discuss the setting up of a court of arbitration and the terms of reference. Sir Horace Wilson, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour, was present, and both sides agreed upon the principle of arbitration. It is .considered possible, however, that a difference of opinion may arise on the question of the constitution of the tribunal. Moreover the operatives’ delegates have no power to' negotiate upon the question of a reduction in | wages.

A Press Association message states that the cotton conference agreed to the terms of reference to the Court of Arbitration, and that full liberty be given to mills to resume work on Monday at the same wages as paid before the stoppage, pending the results of arbitration.

There is great joy in Lancashire at the news of the cotton dispute settlement. Crowds waiting in the street at Blackburn, Oldham, and Bolton, broke into cheers, while the employers also made no secret of their relief. The conference lasted eleven hours. The Arbitration Court will consist of two representatives of the employers and two of the employees, with an independent .chairman. The conference also agreed that ithc workers and employers shall appoint a joint committee to discuss proposals for the improvement of the industry, and strengthening its competitive position. This committee will co-operate with the Government committee of inquiry already appointed.

The conference concluded in the most friendly atmosphere, with hands shaking and expressions of earnest intentions of working together for the benefit of the industry.