STANDING QUESTIONS OF LABOUR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2915, 30 October 1916, Page 6

STANDING QUESTIONS OF LABOUR

GENERAL SETTLEMENT SOUGHT

THE MINIMUM WAGE Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. London, October 27. Mr. W. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, told a deputation from the Scottish Urado Union Congress that, owing to tho increase in food prices, the. Government was considering the possibility of enforcing a minimum wage generally throughout tho industrial world, and opening municipal shops for certain articles in some districts., J (Reo, October 29, 5.5 p.m.)' •

London, October 28. The-employers, trade unions, and Parliamentary Committees, are negotiating for a v general settlement of longstanding i differences, including theunions' demands fur compulsory unionism for all workers: a forty-eight hours week; a thirty Bnilfings minimum wage for adults;__ no reduction of existing wagesj no increase in existing hours; complete recognition of trade unions: unemployment pay from the State and the settlement of after-war conditions of women's labour.

It is believed that the present is a favourable opportunity for removing tho sources of motion and assist towards the after-war. resumption of normal industrial conditions. It is hoped that a, settlement will be reached for a threeyear experiment. Tho negotiators are enlisting the Government's assistance. Mr. Runciman's reference yesterday ,to the minimum wage is attracting increased attention.