BADGES FOR PICKETS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8264, 29 October 1912, Page 4

BADGES FOR PICKETS

The Trade Disputes Law (Amendment) Bill recently introduced in the British House of Commons proposes to restore the civil liability of trade unions in respect of tortious acta committed under their express sanction or recognition. It is - proposed, however, to exempt from cavil liability arising out of a trade dispute such part of the funds of a trade union as may be specifically allocated to provident purposes. With this object in view the Bill empowers a registered trade union to set opart a provident fund, the accounts of and dealings with whioh will be kept distinct from those of tho general or "trade” fund. For the absolute immunity from civil liability conceded by the Trades Disputes Act, 1906, to persons who induce others to break a contract of employment, the Bill -substitutes a limited immunity which will take effect in one case only—namely, where the person who is induced to break hia contract of employment was a free laborer whoso contract was entered Into for the purpose of assisting one of tho parties to a trade dispute. Finally, the Bill provides for regulation of peaceful picketing with respect to tho numbers engaged, tho place where it takes place, and other matters. Pickets will be required to wear a badge conspicuously marked "picket."