DEMANDS OF LABOUR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9685, 13 June 1917, Page 5

DEMANDS OF LABOUR

FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE. The annual Trades Union Congress will open on July 3rd, when matters of special interest to labour will bo considered. The grave problem of the present high cost pt,, living is a subject to bo thoroughly investigated by tho congress. Vi ith a view to amalgamating the numerous unions now in existence, it is proposed to adopt a system wiiercay all affiliated unions and federations may become one grand federation. It is hoped by the centralisation of interests and action to procure more harmonious residts. The results pertaining to the formation nf the National Efficiency Hoard nave not been satisfactory from a labour standpoint. With'tbo'object of attaining national efficiency in the interests of ''the community, as a whole, it is recommenced that a review of the personnel and constitution of the hoard be made. The congress will consider the advisability of having labour representatives on the Arbitration Court, with a view of improving the present mctlufli and date of nomination. The congress intend to discuss the statement of tho Hon. Mr W. Fraser in regard to county council employees. The Minister stated that ho would not sanction tho payment of more than 11s per day to employees of local bodies who wore in receipt of loan money from tiie Government. ■ As a protest against tho introduction of coloured labour into tbo Dominion, it is proposed to ivait upon the Government in reference to the question. Tho Gisborne branch of the Federation of Labour will bring forward fgr consideration o remit to tho effect that the Conciliation Council be abolished. A review of the decision of the Arbitration Court will be made, in connection with recent judgments in regard to the Pastoral Workers’ Union.