LABOUR UNSETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17295, 20 October 1919, Page 7

LABOUR UNSETTLEMENT.

IRONFOUNDEBS' STRIKE.

TERMS NOT ACCEPTED.

UNFAVOURABLE BALLOT.

By Telesraph—Press Association—Copyright.

(Received 10 p.m.)

A. and N.Z. LONDON. Oct. 17. The result of a ballot of the ironfounders, who have been on strike since September 20, shows that, with few exceptions, the branches decline to accept the provisional settlement which was reported to have been reached last week. This decision will have the most serious consequences. Already many large engineering firms are working short time owing to a shortage of castings. Some works may now close entirely.

Fifty thousand iron founders' core makers and dressers, representing key industries, struck work on September 20 for an increase of 15s a week and 7s 6d for apprentices. Last week it was announced that the strike had been settled, the employers agreeing not to reduce present wages before September, 1920, and the union postponing: application for a further advance until after the Arbitration Board's next periodical decision.

ANOTHER STRIKE MOOTED.

OPERATIVE BUILDERS.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 10 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 17. The operative builders demand an advance of fourpence an hour. It is stated that possibly 250,000 men will strike unless the National Conciliation Board settles the matter before October 21.

CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.

AID DURING STRIKES.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 10 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 17.

Trades Union leaders are vigorously furthering plans for joint emergency action between the trades unions and the great co-operative societies, whereby, during large strikes, the food supplies of the unionists will be safeguarded. The railway strike gave an impetus to this alliance. The railwaymen received coupons ensuring unrestricted distribution of food. Local labour organisations are now being created throughout the kingdom, with a view to perfecting the scheme, and also arranging the payment of strike benefit through the co-operative societies' bank. Mr. Bramley, a member of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, declares that in the event of a widespread strike, the cooperative workers will refrain from taking part. Labour will not cut oft its own supplies. *

INDUSTRIAL COUNCILS.

I PROTEST AGAINST DELAY. A. and N.Z. LONDON. Oct. 17. The Trades Union section of the Provisional Joint Industrial Committee, after a meeting to-day, issued a statement attributing the causes of the Labour crisis to the Government's action in delaying the formation of the National Industrial Council. It regretted the allegation that there was some sinister motive behind the Labour attitude. Difficulty had arisen solely because ! I of the Government's refusal to carry out the report on which the emI plovers and trades unionists unani- ! mously agreed. Another meeting I with the Government was arranged ! for October 21. In the event of a j failure to agree it would be necessary to re-summon the full Industrial Conference to obtain further instructions. FARM WORKERS' HOURS. GOVERNMENT ADAMANT. A. and N.Z. LONDON. Oct. 17 It is understood that Cabinet is ; determined to adhere to the- decision to exclude agricultural workers from the Hours of Labour Bill. The Government claims that agricultural workers are in an entirely different category from other workers. The Agricultural Wages Board fixed the hours at 50 a week between March , and November, and 48 between November and March. Seamen and firemen, at present excluded from the Bill, will prob-