STRIKERS SEEK ARBITRAHON.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1918, 28 November 1913, Page 8

STRIKERS SEEK ARBITRAHON.

STATEMENT BY FEDERATION. OFFICIALS. The executive officers of tlio Federation of Labour stated yesterday, with relereneo to Sir Josepli Ward's suggestion that Sir Joshua Williams shouTd arbitrate m tlio strike, that tliey would bo willing to have the whole 'dispute submitted at once to 11 is Honour. Tlio federation, they declared, had alwavs been willing to invoke an impartial and intelligent tribunal to determine the terms upon which the present great struggle should be terminated; but throughout tlio employers' representatives have been actuated by a spirit of determination to allow no arbitration save on condition that the Waterside Workers' Union must come, under tlio Arbitration Act.

"The employers' real purpose was to persist in tlio struggle in the hope that Labour might be permanently crushed, brought to its knees, and forced to accept in tho future whatever terms the employers ehoso to dictate," it was added. "The members of the executive of the Federation, therefore, welcome Sir Joseph's proposal,-because they belicvo in the justice of .their cause. They expect no more than justice; they wanted no more than justice; and justice they know they would got from such a Judge as Sir Joshua Williams. Whatever he decided, after hearing the evidence, and on whatever point lie gave his decision the Federation would cheerfully abide by and regard as binding. The Federation, therefore, felt that Sir Joseph Ward's proposal offered a fair test of jthe sincerity of the employers' belief'in their own cause. If the Federation was agreeable to this unrestricted arbitration, and tho employers refused to agree to it, then surely the public will make the inference tint the employers dare not face an inquiry and a decision of a Judge in whose integrity and judgment the whole of this country reposes the completest confidence." Arrangements for tho immediate resumption of work could, it was stated, be made if tho employers would accept arbitration by Sir Joshua AVilliams. It was denied that the Federation had previously refused to refer the dispute to a Supreme Court Judge. No member of the Government, the executive officers ■stated, had made any proposal to the Federation to submit the disputo to arbitration.

Their Early Dafiance. • The present willingness of the Strike Committee to accept arbitration at the hands of Sir Joshua, Williams shows an interesting change of opinion. A month ago, when the Government wero moving to bring about an amicable settlement of tlio dispute, the Prime Minister made a proposal to the parties that Sir Joshua Williams should act as arbitrator. This proposal was rejected by the Strike Committee. Followingis .an extract of a letter on tho subiee't addressed to Mr. W. A. Kennedy chairman of the Ship Owners' Association, by Mr. W. T. Young, chairman of the Strike Committee, and president of the Federation of Labour:—"Respecting Sir Joshua Williams, the men are of opinion that there is onlv one thing to arbitrate upon, and that is whether the agreement" shall bo reinstated or not." This makes it quite clear that the otter of arbitration was made by tho Government, and that Sir Joshua Williams was the arbitrator suggested.