LABOUR UNREST.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1334, 11 January 1912, Page 5

LABOUR UNREST.

TROUBLE IN WEST AUSTRALIA, THE RAILWAY WORKSHOPS. By Tclctrapb-Preee Aeeocintlon-GoDjriclH Perth, January 10. Tho agreement between the Society of Engineers aud the Commissioner of Railvrays expired iu November. Sinco then tho officials of Iho society havo been negotiating for ail increase- of two shillings per day. Their claim is based on tlie increased cost of living and the fact that increases havo boon granted the locomotive-engiiie-d rivers. Tho Commissioner offered nn advance of sixpence, which was promptly declined. Tho men waited on the Minister for Railways, who declined to take the matter out of tho hands of tho Commissioner, and tho men decided to stop away from work in order to attond daily conferences, practically amounting to a strike. Those affected are engine-fitters, turners, iron moulders, and blacksmiths employed at the Midland Junction and the workshops in Frranantlc and Kalgoorlie. No immediate dislocation of the railways is feared, although the men's action will seriously interfere with tho building of new rolling-stock. (Rec. January 11, 1 a.m.) Perth, January 10. The Minister for Railways insists that the men must submit their demands to tho Arbitration Court. The men insist that they have not struck, but only stopped work for tho purpose of conferring. RABBIT-TRAPPERS' STRIKE. Sydney, January 10. ' The rabbit trappers' strike is steadily spreading. WHARF LABOURERS' DEMANDS. .Melbourne, January 10. It is stated unofficially that the wharf labourers' demand for increased wages has been granted, with certain conditions. A mass meeting is to be held to-day to consider the position. STRIKE AT 3JJENOS AIRES. Buenos Ayres, January 9. The Government has reinforced the garrison in, order to guarantee the freedom of labour. It has authorised the railway authorities to omploy anyone regardless of the usual restrictions. OPPOSED TO A STRIKE. London, January 9. Mr. John Wilson, Labour M.P. for Mid-Durham, states that ho is opposed to a etrike, as being a brutal method of settling the dispute. A strike would be a matter of calamity to the whole community in addition to its effect on tho coal trnde, COTTON TRADE DISPUTE. London, January 9. Tho conferences arranged by Sir G. R. Aekwith in connection with tho cotton trade dispute havo been adjourned until Monday next.

(Rec. January 11, 0.15 a.m.) ' London, January 10. The cotton trade conferences have virtually reached a deadlock. The operatives' representatives declined to recognise the masters' tprnis. The men suggested a half-year's truce pending an alteration of the rules regulating tho position, but the masters demanded unconditional surrender. A mass meeting at Blackburn protested against working with non-unionists. It is estimated that a fortnight's stoppage of the mills will cost .£3,500,000. POSSIBLE COAL STRIKE. London, January 9. In view of a possible coal strike the Admiralty is heavily stocking Welsh coal. ACTOKS' UNION. Melbourne, January 10. Tho Actors* Union has decided ■to affiliate with tho Tiades Hall. ["The executive of the union recently prepared a statement of its objects. 4 detailed log is to be prepared by a special committee, the aim of tho uniou being to following improvements of conditions:—"Cessation of the wholesale imputation of artists from abroad; minimum salary of £5 a week; a proviso for the management to provide all the wardrobe save tho modern street or evening clothes; payment of half salary for rehearsals before tho usual nightly payment begins; limitation of rehearsals to four hours a day, and when four hours is exceeded, payment at the rate of quarter salary for two hours or part thereof, and half salary for time in excess of two hours; payment of double time for Sunday, Christmas Day, or Good Friday rehearsals; payment for night rehcßi'sals after performance at the rato of full salary, a rehearsal in no case to last longer Hum 2 a.m.; payment of full salary for all matinees; two weeks' notice on either side on termination of engagement, or, in lieu of notice to an artist, two. weeks' salary, except in tho case of an artist dismissed for drunkenness or incapacity on tho stage; a guarantee for payment of salaries, and the proper observance of contracts by all managers of companies! no piece new to any company to bo rehearsed for less than one week."]