THE PREVENTION OF STRIKES.

Mataura Ensign, 20 March 1909, Page 4

THE PREVENTION OF STRIKES.

f A SHIPBUILDERS' SCHEME. The scheme for the prevention of strikes agreed upon by employers in England and the 26 trade unions concerned in the shipbuilding industry is the most elaborato and conciliatory undertaking of its kind ever planned in that country, it is an outcome of bitter experience in numerous sectional disputea which have in almost every instance injured both capital and labor. Hitherto it has been within the power of one or two trade unions, or even one branch ol a single union, to precipitate a itriko at short notico and cause loss ot employment to hundreds of men not concerned with tbo' question in dispute, besides involving the employers in penalties for delay in the lultiiuieut of contracts. The main aims of the new agreement aro to secure measured discussion and arbitration within the industry upon all difficulties as they arise, to avoid the necessity lor any stoppage ot work while such discussion is in progress, to limit the changes in wages which may be demanded or outorceu by either side and to give both sides proper representation in all negotiations. Several methods for dealing with disputes have been-decided upon, in the first instance a deputation of workmen may meet the employers where the question baa arisen for mutual discussion, railing arrangement then, an attempt will be made to negotiate a settlement between the employer and au official delegate of the men. Should a settlement not be accomplished in that way the question will be referred to a joint committee consisting ot three employers and three representatives of the union or unions ailectod, uouo ot whom shall be connected with the yard where the dispute has arisen, it these disagree othor couraos may bo resorted to successively. Tho dispute may be retorted to the employers' local association ana the responsible representatives ol the local unions, or to a central conference between the executive board ol the Employers' Federation and representatives of the, unions concerned, if, however, the question is a general one affecting more than oaie yard or dock it may bo raised direct in local conference, or if it is a general one, ailecling more than one district, it may be I • aisod direct in central coiitcreucv. Finally, if ovcry other attempt at an amicable settlement should tail there remains authority under the new agreement for the discussion of the question by a "grand conference'' ot all the employers and unions in the shipbuilding trade. This conference will form a sort of industrial court of appeal, lu entering it the parties will not deprivo themselves of thoir fighting rights with respect to strikes and lockouts. But if the decision be against tbo employer ho must bow to the majority or surfer cxpulsior from this I elkration and in that caso ho would be-at tbo mercy of the trade, unions. Similarly, if tho decision is given against the workmen, they must accept and abide by it, otherwiso tho whole of the federated ship yards will be locked out against the whole of the trades which are parties to tho agreement