THE LABOUR BILL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10871, 11 September 1913, Page 3

THE LABOUR BILL.

CONSOLIDATING MEASURE. (From Our Correspondent.] AYELLINGTOX, September 11

The Government's main Labour Bill, consisting of 16 '> clauses, introduced to-day, is a consolidating measure, with several new features in the direction of making strikes and lock-outs as difficult as possible. The constitution of the Arbitration Court is altered, provision being mode for a secret ballotbefore the cancellation of the registration of any industrial union of employers or employees. Conciliation Commissioners are to be elected through an individual ballot by members of unions. Where several awards apply to the same employer, such as builders, the Court may frame a tchcdule to secure uniformity of working hours. If any union cancels registration, another union formed may, on an order of the Court, obtain the benefit of awards existing in disputes applying to workers or employers not organised. One important innovation makes strikes unlawful unless notice of intention to strike is given to the Minister of Labour, who then orders a conference between parties or sets up a Labour Disputes Committee, giving representation to both sides, with the Conciliation Commissioner presiding. The committee's decision is to bo published, and if the dispute is unsettled in fourteen days a secret ballot is to be taken to decic-e the strike. The issue of seven davs' notice of a strike or leek-out is compulsory.