MINERS' OFFER TO WORK

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1929, Page 9

MINERS' OFFER TO WORK

COAL DEADLOCK IN N.S.W. MEN DEFINE THEIR POLICY ACTION EXPECTED MONDAY & By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian Press Association. Received June 13, 8.15 p.m. Sydney, June 13. It is understood the basis of the miners’ proposal for their return to work immediately is that they are prepared to work at reduced wages, providing the owners guarantee to refund the reductions if their figures as to the costs of carrying on the industry are proved wrong. The miners’ conference resumed today, but is unlikely to reach any decision regarding the proposal to withdraw the safety men from the pits until Monday, when the engine-drivers’ secretary, Mr. Atkins, will return from Melbourne, whither he Is going tonight. At the conclusion of the conference the following statement was issued to the Press:—“The combined unions have arrived at a policy and adjourned with complete understanding and unanimity.’’ The date of the resumption of the conference has not been fixed. The decision of the engine-drivers and firemen last night means the withdrawal of the safety men from all collieries throughout New South Wales. It was agreed not to put the decision to strike into effect for the time being, so as not to prejudice the negotiations for a settlement. Mr. Browne, counsel for the unions, has submitted proposals for a, conference to the Government, the employers and unions. The environs' of most of the northern mines were deserted yesterday. The Hebburn collieries continue to be picketed. Mr. Browne stated that a genuine offer of settlement had been submitted by the miners and he was hopeful this would furnish an avenue of settlement by Monday. Inquiries to-night elicited that the coal crisis is gloomier than ever. The owners are said to have rejected, the fresh proposals, while it is reliably stated that the engine-drivers’ executive has sent an ultimatum , to the miners’ representatives, demanding the withdrawal of mass pickets from the. northern collieries and disciplining their leaders there, failing which the safety men will be withdrawn at the end of the week.