INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 20, 6 January 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

WORKERS’ NATIONAL CONFERENCE. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) London, January 5. The executive of the General Federation of Trade Unions has summoned a national conference for Thursday to consider the proposals in connection with the campaign against non-union-ists, which are described as more drastic than anything hitherto attempted by organised labour. DISCHARGE NOTE SYSTEM. (Received (i, 9.20 a.m.) London, January 5. Objecting to the discharge note system, hundreds of workmen in the Tyneside shipyards intend to tender notice. The movement aga.nst the notes has spread to the Clyde. Representatives of botli sides have agreed to meet at Carlisle and discuss the position. ENGLISH COTTON WORKERS. (Received G, 8.5 a.m.) London, January 5. Sir G. R. Askwith’s conferences continue. The first few weeks’ lock-out pay cost the local Weavers’ Union £76,000. A few unions are able to stand the strain for a few more months. Some have been urging bankruptcy in a fortnight. THE LITHGOW STRIKE. Sydney, January 5. Mr Haskins has asked the men to meet with a view of terminating the Lithgow strike. LABOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA. (Received G, 9.20 a.m.) Capetown, January 5. A three days’ labour conference at Bloemfontein recommended a white labour policy, and the establishment of a defence force precluding its use in industrial disputes. They also favoured bounties in lion of a protective tariff, separation' of whites and natives, each with advisory councils, and disapproved of the extension of the franchise to natives. SYDNEY WATERSIDERS. (Received G, 10.10 a.m.) Sydney, January C.

Uneasiness prevails in the position on the coastal and inter-state wharves. The men persist in ceasing half an hour earlier than the award provides, and only overtime is worked by the companies’ permanent staffs. Much congestion and delay result. A CON FEEEXCE ARRANGED. (Received 0, 10.10 a.m.), Melbourne, January G. A conference has been arranged between the employers and the wharf labourers for Monday. In the .meantime work proceeds. r.V. v ' ■■' - TRAMWAY STRIKE i“OFF.” ■ i;il ‘ ' Auckland, January 5. A ballot of the whole of the mernbers of the Auckland Tramway Union as to Avhethcr the proposals of the company as amended should be accepted as in agreement was taken to-day, when 396 votes were given for the proposal and 63 against. This settles the question of a strike, and the agreement, subject to some minor alterations, will be-signed as -.soon v as it is ready for presentation to the union’s representatives. LABOURERS’ CLAIMS. Auckland, January 5. The refusal of the employers to discuss the- claims of the general labourers for higher wages arid improved working conditions was discussed by the Union to-night. It was decided to refer the matter to the Federation of Labour. * : - v - : WATERSIDE WORKERS. Christchurch, January 5. The waterside workers at Lyttelton did not start work until after 9 o’clock this morning, and cargo working was at a standstill. Instead of commencing at 8 a.m. it was announced yesterday that a general meeting of members of the Lyttelton Stevedores’ Union would be held to-day to discuss matters relating to the conference which is to open at Wellington next Wednesday between the representatives of the shipping companies, the waterside workers’ unions, and delegates from the New Zealand Federation of Labour.

The local representatives of several shipping firms pointed out to the secsecretary of the Lyttelton union (Mr. H. 11. Yoyce) that it was scarcely a fair thing to shipping companies and the port generally to suspend work on the wharves in order to hold a meeting to discuss union matters during working hours. After consulting his committee, Mr. Yoyce said it had been decided to hold the meeting at 8 o’clock this morning to ensure a full attendance of members, and it was not expected that the business would occupy more than half in hour . The meeting was very largely attended and was 'field behind closed doors, and lasted from 8 a.m. till 9.5 a.m., work starting on the ships immediately afterwards. Seen by a reporter, Mr. Yoyce, secretary of the union, said the meeting had fully discussed and defined the powers given to the delegates of the union at the conference with the employers. Messrs. H. It. Yoyce, F. Lurch, and W. Agar wore appointed delegates to represent the Lyttelton union at the conference in'Wellington next Wednesday. They will leave for Wellington to-morrow nii'ht in order to be present at a meeting of delegates of all the waterside workers’ unions, which will be .held on Monday, to enable them to have conditions appertaining to the various awards ready for presentation at Wednesday’s conference.