WORK IN COAL MINES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 553, 17 November 1915, Page 3

WORK IN COAL MINES.

THE FEDERATION'S PROPOSALS. Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 1(5. The New Zealand Coal Mines Workers' Industrial Federation recently wrote to the Coal Owner's Association asking that organisation to receive delegates to discuss the following questions:— (1) The question of 20 per cent. | increase in wages as a result of the i increased cost of living, j (2) The advisability of readjustment of awards with a view to creating a Dominion agreement for all coal miners. (3) The question of urging upon the Government the necessity of using screened coal on the railways. (4) To consider ways and means by which the best feelings' may exist between employers and employees in the coal mines of the Dominion. Subsequently a deputation waited on the owners and suggestions. These were considered by the Coal Owners' Association, which subsequently replied that it considered that individual agreements or awards were the only methods possible. The Federation Executive expressed disappointment at this'reply, and urged the owners to meet their representatives in conference. Mr Semple leaves to-night for ihe West Coast, where the matter will be considered by the miners.