LABOUR DISPUTES

Otago Witness, Issue 3514, 19 July 1921, Page 14

LABOUR DISPUTES

STRIKES IN JAPAN. TOKIO, July 9. Widespread industrial unrest is reported, culminating in minor strikes at many places. There have been extensive strikes in the Kobe shipyards, accompanied by riots and demonstrations. The men at the Kawasaki dockyards, which employ 20,000 hands, struck owing to the emp.oyers refusing them permission to form a union. At the Mitsubishi yard 20C0 walked out because of the temporary dismissal of some employees. The strikers paraded with banners inscribed "Down with Capitalism.” Many clashes occurred with the police, several serious casualties being reported. The Government arsenal at Tokio, employing 15,000 was the scene of considerable trouble, the men demanding an eight-hour day with 10 hours’ pav. July 14. ‘ Twenty thousand strikers seized rfte Kawasaki dockyards. The Kobe workmen’s executive controls the shops. JuU' 15. At Kobe troops were called out when tire striking dockyard employees charged the police. A number were wounded, and tile, ringleaders were arrested. BRITISH PRINTING TRADE. LONDON, July 16. The printing trade employers propose to reduce wages during the next three months. The Typographical Society declined to agree to a similar reduction. The question was remitted to a joint council meeting at the end of the month. BRITISH INDUSTRY RECOVERY. LONDON, July 15. A total of 2,120.201 registered at the Unemployment Bureau, 50.100 below the previous week’s total, showing that industry is recovering from the effects of the coal strike. WAGE REDUCTION AGREED TO LONDON, July 14. The engineers, by 175,145 votes against 108,964 votes, accepted the employers’ proposals for a wage reduction of 3s weekly on time rates and 15 per . ent. on piece rates.. UNEMPLOYED SOLDIERS. MELBOURNE, July 12. A deputation of returned soldiers a.-ked Sir Joseph Cook for employment, stating that they were starving. Sir Joseph Cool; replied that whilst the Federal Government undertook to find employment for returned soldiers it was for a period only, and not till death. He had already spent £100.000,009 on soldiers. The question was one for the State Governments. UNEMPLOYED IN VICTORIA. MELBOURNE. .July 14. The unemployed in Victoria now total 20,000. T. a hour exit:emi sts. SYDNEY, July 12. In view of some meetings of miners at which the Coal Tribunal’s activities were criticised, and suggesting direct action, Air Debbie (chairman of the tribunal) declared that the position was intolerable. He re fused lo continue the sittings unless some assurance was given that better counsels would prevail. RIPE MOULDERS CEASE. WORK SYDNEY'. July 14. The pipe moulders at Hoskins and Company's works ceased work, stating that they are' locked out. It is understood that since the hours were reduced from 48 to 44 the output has diminished. The men were informed that they would not be reemploved unless a guarantee was given that the output would be increase ! A LIVING WAGE. ADELAIDE, July 16. The Board of Industry declared 13s 3d daily a living wage fur adults in the metropolitan area. MOUNT MORGAN. BRISBANE. July 13. The Mount Morgan engine-drivers at a meeting passed a resolution by 57 votes to

.i iil lavoiu- ot a ballot ot ail the unions on tile question oi restricting t!ic output. 'l’he meeting favoured a resolution to withdraw its delegates from the Lock out Committee