MINERS’ DEMANDS

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 1 March 1921, Page 37

MINERS’ DEMANDS

“REVOLUTIONARY AND FARFETCHED.” OWNERS’ STRENUOUS OPPOSITION. IV ELLINGTON, February 26. The demands for a new agreement made by the Miners’ Federation have been considered by the executive of the Mine-owners’ Association. The latter, in reply-, drew particular attention to the inclusion of the following points;—(l) Abolition of contract system; (2) six-hour day, bank to bank; (3) a five-day week; (4) abolition of the afternoon shift; (5) payment for holidays; (6) payment for time lost (minimum weekly wage). It is pointed out that these claims were considered at the conferences held in August, 1919, and February, 1920; that the, employers then took up the position that they were so revolutionary and farfetched, and would result, if granted, in such a great increase in the price of coal to the general public, that unless they’ were withdrawn by the federation the employers would not proceed with the conference; that they were finally withdrawn, and the conference proceeded. Since February last nothing had happened to warrant the proposals being again brought forward; indeed, the contrary was the case. Similar demands had not been conceded by Australian coal mine owners. Again, the Broken Hill strike arose over the insistence of similar demands, which were adversely reported upon by a special Government tribunal. In face of these facts the. executive decided that until the particular demands stated were withdrawn it would be both unfair to the general public and useless to enter into any discussion with the federation. If the demands were withdrawn the executive would be pleased to arrange a conference at the earliest possible date. The holding of the conference would not necessarily mean that the owners were prepared to enter into a national agreement. The owners consider that the results of the working of a national agreement are unsatisfactory, and that local and district agreements aro the only solution in view of the varied conditions of the New Zealand mines.