INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 67, 2 November 1911, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

BRIT ISTI RAILWAYS

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association. London, November 1. The railwayman have issueu a manifesto for piesenratiou tv) the companies, demanding improved conditions and wages. Ine executive committee of four oi tho railwayman's unions degin to-day io discuss the commission's finding. (Received 2, 0.30 a.m.) London, November 1. Tho railwayman demand an eighthours' day, wit.fi ten hours for permanent-)', ay men and carrier?; overtime at least at tho rate of lime ami a quarter, and double pay for Sundays. They also demand that men engaged temporarily in tho higher grade receive nigner grade pay, and mat length of service be a primary mnsideraiiou in promotion. LABOUR CONGRESS. London, November 1. Tho annual report presented to the National Free Labour Congress hinted that the Association would run its own candidates for election. While discussing the amendment to the “peaceful picketing” clause, the congress notified that a hundred oi its memlXws had been virtually imprisoned at the Gravesend Cable Works for protection against the violence of “peaceful pickotors.” TRADES DISPUTES ACT.

London, November 1

: f‘The Times,” commenting on Mr. Asquith’s refusal to amend the Trades Disputes Act, accepts his answer as indicative that a more energetic and effective enforcement of the existing law is perfectly possible.

TAXI-CABMEN

London, November 1

Six hundred taxi-cab drivers in London struck, in sympathy with a comrade who was not allowed to take cut cabs on the ground that ho was withholding from tho proprietor the extras received in respect of two boxes. The allegation was denied, and 7000 drivers threaten io strike.

AUSTRALIA.

SYDNEY WHARF STRIKE

Sydney, November 1

Tho strike outlook is less hopeful

A mass meeting of wharf labourers, Including the deep-sea section, lasted to a very late hour. Tho press was not admitted. Everybody concerned is extremely reticent, and disclosed nothing of a definite nature. There is reason to believe, however, the trouble will lie extended to the deep-sea section, and they will possibly lie out to-morrow. The men left in high spirits. One declared, “Wo will all be out to-morrow.”

(Received 2, 9.20 a.m.) Sydney, November 2,

The wharf labourers have decided to extend tho strike to deep-sea wharves by an almost unanimous vote. The decision came as the greatest surprise to shipowners, as it was generally thought that the strike was unpopular with all but a small section of the men. When they emerged from tho meeting the men were evidently greatly excited. Many rushed out repeatedly crying “No work.” The officials declined to give the press any .information, but tho mon were not so TYlicont. They stated that for its casual work the shipowners can afford to pay. Tho inter-Stato railway traffic has been tremendously increased owing to tho strike. Melbourne, November 2.

Mr. Hughes, in reply to a further question in tho House, stated that there had been a breach of agreement, and the Government was considering what action it would take. Sydney. November 2.

Tho “Herald’* states that the action of the men in ignoring the agreement resolves itself into an attitude of contumacy of which many must ho ashamed.' Repudiation of agreements threatens organised industrialism with disintegration. POLITICIANS OBJECTED TO. (Received 2, 10.30 a.m.) Sydney, November 2. The conference of T nited Labour Unions decided that no politician should hold office, lost the organisation’s affairs should he prejudiced. WAGES BOARD’S OPERATIONS. (Received 2, 10.30 a.m.) Melbourne, November 2. The Wages Boards of A ictoria have increased the wages of workers by Cl, 177,019.

NEW ZEALAND.

LABOURERS’ STRIKE

Auckland, November 1

In regard to the possible resumption of the strike owing to the trouble with local bodies over the alleged discrimination shown in taking on the workers again, Mr Semple stated tonight that the trouble as far as the Remuera Board was concerned was at an end, the union being satisfied that no discrimination was shown. Jhe trouble as regards the Mt. Eden authorities will he discussed to-morrow. TLASTEHERS’ ST R i KE. Wellington, November 1. In connection with the plasterers’ dispute the secretary of the Builders stud Contractors’ Association stated that it was difficult to understand why men actually in work wore prepared to throw up Is Td per hour. The secretary of the union explains that the reason is that the union has applications for six men for eight months’ work at 2s per hour, and one for throe months at £5 per week wet and dry. The award states that the minimum rates shall ho Is 7d per hour, and in every case the employers in Wellington make the minimum the maximum. Although the minimum rate here is not above that in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, the employers in those cities have never made the minimum the maximum rate. W A TERRI DE WORK ER S. Wellington, November 1. The decision of the Wellington wa-

terside workers to join the New Zealand F. 'deration of Labour will bring about the resignation of the executive, apparently its members being all against the charge, except Mr Parkind, assistant secretary. The decision to join the federation was carried by 430 to 270 votes.

SHIPPING STRIKE.

OFFICERS MAKE A PROPOSAL

Wellington, November 1. It is understood that a proposal lias been made by the Merchant* Service Guild to the Shipowners’Fedora 1 ion for a settlement of the dispute which has

resulted in the tying up of the smaller vessels trading in and out of Wellington. It is suggested that the owners accept a reduction ot hours, that monthly wages be a minimum of £lO or £l7 per month for first mate, and £lO or £1 1 per month for secI one! mates, according to character of 1 steamer and trade, and £1 / or £lB

for mates where only one mate is car-

ried. Tho Guild, ic is said, has eliminated the question of overtime from the issue.