INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 47

INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS

BUILDING TRADE DISPUTE. LONDON, May 16. Mr Hugh Fraser, arbitrator in the building trade dispute, has awarded reductions of per hour in London and Id in the provinces, labourers to receive an amount to be estimated at three-quarters of craftsmen’s pay. Both sides have accepted this decision. COAL DISPUTE. SYDNEY, May 15. The coal trouble is having a serious effect on shipping at Newcastle. Over luuO employees connected with the trails port trade are idle. Mr Hughes, speaking at Parramatta said : “The Government will have my active help, and from what I can see it win want it. The Fates may yet call on me to unsheath my sword and to strike a blow, and I will surely do so as long as I may walk along the narrow way. No official statement in connection with the Coal Owners’ Conference has been issued, but it is understood that it has been definitely agreed that there shall be no general strike. Tho northern owners have temporarily abandoned the idea of employing voluntary labour in tho mines, and are now awaiting the miners as soon as they are ready to resume. lire southern position has improved. The Clifton miners have resumed, and other districts are expected to follow this lead in a few days. Tile miners resolved not to accept the owners’ terms. The latter state that the mines will be thrown open a-s soon as the men agree to the proprietors’ terms, other wise the prospect of work for the unionists is hopeless. It is understood that the Miners’ Federation Council advised the miners not to accept the owners’ terms, especially regarding the right to engage or to dismiss their employees. Further trouble is brewing on the western fields owing to the men serving notice on the owners that there would be no work on Saturdays in future. Mr Justice Hibble intimated that he would not allow such notices to be issued, it is expected that the Coal Tribunal will intervene and insist on the award as declared being obeyed without additions by either side. May 17. The miners have decided to confine the dispute to the Maitland fields. A levy will be made on all members of the federation of 15 per cent, of their wages in anticipation of a prolonged struggle. SUPPRESSING UNAUTHORISED STRIKES. SYDNEY, May 17. The Council of the Coal Miners’ Federation has decided on disciplinary measures against members responsible for unauthorised strikes. Fines of £5 will be imposed for a first offence, with expulsion for a second offence. Lodges sink ing against instructions will be fined £1 per member, and will be expelled for second offence. BUILDING TRADE HOURS. SYDNEY, May 19. On an appeal by the building trades em pioyees against raising ihe hours of work from 44 to 48, the Industrial Court fixed the hours at 46 weekly.