LOCKED OUT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18444, 30 March 1922, Page 5

LOCKED OUT.

BRITISH ENGINEERING CRISIS. HUGE ADDITION TO UNEMPLOYED SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES POSSIBLE. The lock-out of engineering and allied trades is a very serious affair. About million men are out, greatly aggravating the unemployed difficulty, a very bitter feeling is manifest among the men. AN IMMEDIATE EFFECT. Received March 29. 7.40 p.m. LONDON, March 29. The railways have suspended the promised reduction in goods rates during the lock-out. VERY GRAVE SITUATION DEVELOPING. IJ MILLIONS ADDED TO UNEMPLOYED. BITTER FEELING GROWING. Received March 29, 7.40 p.m. LONDON, March 29. A very grave economic industrial situation is developing from the engineering trouble. Amalgamated unionists have definitely refused to resume negotiations while locked out. The employers’ notices to kindred unions operate immediately. The aggregate number of men locked out is 776,000, exclusive of 90,000 previously unemployed. The lock-out of the shipyard workers operate to-day, involving a further 300,000. Many other trades are indirectly but gradually involved owing to the shortage and non-sup-ply of engineering materials. It is estimated that a total of a million and a half workers will be added to the general unemployment, the figures of which reach approximately to three and one-third million.

It is common knowledge that the funds of the various unions are at a low ebb, and the men actually locked out are not entitled to relief. It is impossible to foresee the extent of the economic distress that will ensue. Many Labourites suggest that this is the real reason for the employers’ obduracy in dealing with t»e men’s proposals. Others cynically declare that owing to the existing adverse trade and industrial conditions the employers welcome the opportunity to close down works which are being conducted at a loss. Very bitter feelings are prevalent among the workers, who attribute the most mercenary motives to the employers.