THE RELIEF WORKERS

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 457, 19 May 1932, Page 9

THE RELIEF WORKERS

Deputation Meets Minister of Employment. STRIKE MAY BE SETTLED. A settlement of the Christchurch relief workers’ strike is dependent upon a statement that is expected to-morrow from the Minister of Employment (the Rt Hon J. G. Coates) in reply to certain demands placed before him by Mr R. J. Cornwall, secretary of the Relief Workers’ Union, and Mr F. H. Grant, president of the Unemployed Workers’ Union. Both Mr Cornwall and Mr Grant returned to Christchurch from Wellington this morning, and they will submit an interim report on the nature of their deliberations with Mr Coates to a mass meeting of trades unionists to be held this evening in Stillwell’s Hall.

Basis of Settlement. Mr Cornwall stated this morning that the deputation had two interviews with the Minister of Employment yesterday, and finally the latter agreed to answer in writing the points set out as a basis of settlement for the strike on relief works in the Christchurch district. The demands made were: (1) That single men be paid 12s 6d a day for two days work; that camps for them be abolished; and that they be re-instated on relief works. (2) That married men with no children or one child be given three days’ work at 12s 6d. (3) That married men with two or three children should receive four days’ work at 12s 6d; and (4) That married men with four or more, children be granted five days employment at the rate of 12s 6d a day. In addition to these claims, Mr Cornwall said that full pay was asked for work lost through wet weather, and free transport to and from work. Full sustenance at the rates set out was also sought in the event of the Unemployment Board being unable to find work for the men. Yet another provision was a request that a representative of the unemployed should be given a seat on the local Unemployment Committee. The reason for the latter step was to enable the Unemployment Committee to keep in constant touch with the relief workers, and thereby through the latter to keep the Unemployment Board acquainted with the needs of the unemployed. Mr Coates was also urged to eliminate classification on relief works, and introduce a flat rate of 12s 6d a day for work done by various local bodies. Failing a satisfactory settlement on the lines mentioned, the Minister was requested to reinstate the No. 5 scheme, which was more preferable in Christchurch than the new scheme. “Mr Coates had details of the basis of settlement left with him,” said Mr Cornwall, “ and he assured us that, after due and careful consideration, he would answer the various points raised in writing. We expect to receive the Minister’s reply by to-morrow morning’s post, and the nature of it will determine whether or not the strike will be continued.” The Prime Minister’s statement will be presented to a meeting of unemployed at 2 o’clock to-morrow, when it is expected that an announcement will be made later as to whether the strike will be called off. Position on Various Jobs. A further improvement in the position on the various emergency jobs conducted by various local bodies in the city and suburban districts was revealed this morning. At Lyttelton the position remains unchanged and. with the exception of thirteen men, the relief workers are still on strike. A further twenty men joined up this morning on the City Council’s undertakings, and there are now 265 men at work. On the railway works between Lyttelton and Islington, 130 out of 180 men have reported for work during the week. There were very few absentees from the Heathcote Council’s relief works, while practically full quotas are reported in the Sumner, New Brighton, Riccarton and Waimairi districts. Sixty men were working for the Paparua County Council, six absentees having been replaced. Mass Meeting To-night. The United Front Council has called a mass meeting of trade unionists to be held in Stillwell’s Hall, Ferry Road, to-night, at 7.30. An invitation is also given to the womenfolk, the unemployed and their wives. The strengthening of the United Front Council a*id the attacks on wages and conditions of the unemployed will be among the matters discussed, and there will be a long list of speakers. The strike committee of the unemployed will also submit its report. An attendance of over 2000 is anticipated.

A BAN LIFTED. Visits to Local Trades Hall. The ban placed on outside visitors to the Trades Hall has been officially lifted. The chairman of the Trades Hall Committee, Mr G. T. Thurston, stated this morning that in view of the fact that 'the tramway dispute had now quietened down, it was just as well, perhaps, to announce that the embargo placed on reporters in connection with visits to the hall had been lifted. Admission to the hall would be as previously, unless, of course, the Hall Committee was asked to reconsider the matter. “As I have stated previously, we have no personal grievance against any of the reporters, and the object of the ban was as much for their protection as our own,” added Mr Thurston.