OUT OF WORK

Southland Times, Issue 19478, 30 March 1922, Page 5

OUT OF WORK

BRITAIN'S UNEMPLOYMENT SERIOUS POSITION DEVELOPING I TRADES UNION FUNDS NEAR EXHAUSTION. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, March 29. (Received March 29, 5.5 p.m.) The gravest economic indstrial situation is developing frtan the engineering trouble. The amalgamated unionists definitely refused to resume negotiations while locked out. Employers’, notices to kindred unions operate immediately. The aggregate number of men locked out is 776,000, exclusive of ninety thousand previously unemployed, and those unemployed by toe lockout of shipyard workers cabled on March 17, which operates to-day involving a further three hundred thousand. Many other trades are indirectly but gradually involved. Owing to the shortage and non-supply of engineering materials it is estimated that a total of a million and a half workers will be added to general unemployment figures which reach approximately three and onethird million. It is common knowledge that the funds of the various unions are at a low ebb, and the men actually locked out are not entitled to relief. It is impossible to foresee the extent of the economic distress. Many labourites suggest that this is the real reason for the employers’ obduracy in dealing with the men’s proposals. Others cynically declare that owing to the existing adverse trade and industrial conditions, employers welcome the opportunity to close down their works which are being conducted at a loss. Very bitter feelings are prevalent among the workers who attribute most mercenary motives to employers.