UNIONSIS ON THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12618, 23 March 1903, Page 3 (Supplement)

UNIONSIS ON THE ARBITRATION ACT.

An open ineeting ■ of the Trades and ' Labour Counoil was hold in the Trades Hall on Friday, .Hie 20th, to discus? the Arbitration Court awards and tho constitution of the Arbitration Oouri. Mr W. Hood (president of the council) occupied the chair, and there wore about 75 unionists pres&nt. An animated debate cimnied, when tho whole question of inditstrial arbitration was discussed, and while criticised iii respect to detail the principles of the existing law wore strongly supported. The following resolutions were passed:— j 1. "That the Otago Trades and Labour Counoil nnd this meeting of unionists of tho district affirm the principle of the- Conciliation and Arbitration Acts and the constitution of tho Arbitration Court." 2. " That this meeting of unionists takes strong objection to, and protests against, many of tho recent awards delivered in the Arbitration Court on the following grounds: (a) That conditions have been introduced which who never solicited by either party to dispute! and which are decidedly' m favour of employers; (l>) that » distinct preference is given to the employment of juvenile labour to the detriment of adults; (c) f that where preference to unionists has been given other award conditions are such that it is absolutely unworkable; (d) that in dangerous occupations where machinery is used wages, are fixed according to the age of the operator, and tho occupation is ignored, thus offering a premium to inex-' perience and increasing thp riek through accidents." 3. "That this meeting is of opinion that it is imperative, in Hie iutcrefte of. the proper pdministration of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, that inspector.; of awards should be appointed, with powers similar to inspectors, under the Factories Act." 4. "That this meeting is pleased to see that the Premier has promised to introduce legislation during the coming session to innke it statutory that unionists shall have prnferenca over nan-unionists. ,, 5. "That the Premier be urged to maintain the existing constitution and status of the. Arbitration Court." 6. Thai the Premier he esketl to insert a clause in the Conciliation and Arbitration Act preventing strikes or lock-outs during the currency of awards."