MINERS’ STRIKE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 147, 7 June 1932, Page 8

MINERS’ STRIKE

NATIONAL BALLOT RESULT TWO-TO-ONE MAJORITY. RESISTING OWNERS’ TERMS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Greymouth, June 6. A general strike of New Zealand coalminers has been carried by a two to one majority in a Dominion-wide ballot of unions, the object of the strike being to resist the imposition of the coal owners’ new terms. A recent conference of owners and men in the North Island broke down upon the refusal by the miners of the owners’ claim for the unrestricted right to engage and discharge men. The position in the South Island is now practically on the same footing, tho men contending that although some districts have been operating under tho old agreement the conditions imposed in the northern districts are intended to be extended to other fields.

The miners’ leaders state that they are anxious for a conference at the earliest date, but desire that conditions shall not be laid down by the employers before the conference, but that the old agreement shall remain operative until replaced by a new agreement.

If such a conference is granted work could bo at once resumed. Meantime the cessation of -work will probably commence at midnight.

NO WORK TO-DAY. WESTPORT COAL COMPANY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Westport, Juno 6. The management of the Westport Coal Company received word to-night that the industrial shrike against the coal companies’ recent terms of working has begun, and that there will be no work at the mines to-morrow. The decision does not affect the mines working on the co-operative or contract system, but efforts may be made to induce them also to cease working.