INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 16, 16 May 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

SAILORS’ WAGES. .. ißy Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) London, May 15. A conference of Liverpool shipowners and shipping unions has arranged for an advance of 10s a month on ■sailors’ and firemen’s wages. THE LITHGOW STRIKE. Sydney, May 15. The Lithgow Prisoners’ Release Society has circularised the unions throughout the State favouring a one day’s strike as a protest against the Government not releasing the Lithgow strike prisoners. A meeting of forty unions endorsed the issue of the circular. A MUSICAL UNION. Wellington, May 15. The demands of the newly formed 'Wellington Performing Musicians’ Industrial Union of 'Workers were before Mr Hally, Conciliation Commissioner, to-day.

Application was made to exempt the Garrison and Jupp’s bands, and the Union representative said that brass hands were not aimed at; it was their employers. In reply to a misstatement, it was pointed out that hands would necessarily suffer, because it was by their employment that members wore able to provide instruments and uniforms. Lieutenant Herd said that if employers were .so bound, as proposed by the Union, then the bands must go under. It was good-bye to the brass band.

After further discussion the assessors went into committee to consider the various applications for exemption. Tli© musical conference agreed to the following proposals:—That the award shall apply only to musicians employed to play musical instruments at skating rinks and public dancing assemblies, in refreshment rooms, and in connection with dramatic performances, variety and picture entertainments, and performances by operatic and comedy companies; each performer shall be paid at the rate of not less than £3 per week for six performances and matinee, except in the case of general theatrical performances, when matinees shall be paid at the rate of 10s per performance. Other points arc still being considered.

In the musicians’ case to-day, when the Conciliation Council rose, it was announced that a compromise had been effected as between the two sets of proposals on all points, except preference for dance and restaurant engagements. These points will be further discussed on Monday night. The wages for general theatrical engagements arc to be £3 per week.