MINERS' DEMANDS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 305, 18 September 1920, Page 7

MINERS' DEMANDS

CONCILIATORY CONFERENCE

PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO

MINISTER

GREAT ADVANCE TOWARDS PEACEFUL

SETTLEMENT

(By Telegraph-Preßs Association-:Copyr:*h.t

(Rec. September 18, 0.50 a.ni.)

London, September 17.

The conference between Sir Robert Horhe and the Miners' Federation executive was-tho.most conciliatory on both sides that has occurred during the present crisis. After meeting in the morning it adjourned at midday for two hours, during which period Sir Robert 1 Home saw Mr. Lloyd George. . An official account of the proceedings shews that the men submitted proposals: (1) For the immediate concession of the wages demand; (2) that there be no increase in tho price of home-consumed coal owing to the foregoing; (3) the appointment ' of a. representative tribunal to inquire into the question, of reducing the price of domestic coal, with a Government undertaking to accept its report; (4) an inquiry into the causes of tho declining output. The executive a!« 9 expressed a desire to accept tho Government proposal for an inquiry, with a view to a revision of tho present complicated system of calculating wages. Mr. Smillie, in- this connection, admitted that the substitution of fixed rates for piece rates wns one of the causes of tho declining, output, but said if piece rates were adopted the men wanted security against a reduction of those rates, as the output increased. Sir Robert Home, in reply, cordially agreed with the, justice of the last demand, and said the other proposals wore a great advance towards a peaceful settlement, 'especially tho way the men had coupled the question of an increase in wage 3 with suggestions regarding increased output; but there was no possibility of accepting the third proposal. Further discussion -revealed' a # sharp difference of cpinion on the subjoct of the demand for an immediate increase in wages. Sir Robert Home refused to agree to this, without a prior investigation by an impartial' tribunal. Mr. Smillie declared this must be settled before the other demands were considered. It was useless to try to get the n.ineSi' conference to postpone a strike unless they could tell it the wages demand would be granted. Sip Robert Horno agreed that if an increase in output was assured, an. advance in wages could doubtless be given. The conference adjourned until tomorrow.—Reuter.

ELECTRICIANS' STRIKE AVERTED

(Rec. September 17. 5.5 p.m.) London, September 15. The threafened electricians' strike baa been averted, the men having agreed to withdraw the demand that foremen must be members of the union. The Employers' Federation has withdrawn the lockout notices.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

"IRRITATION STRIKES"

PEOPOSAL REJECTED BY SYDNEY

LABOUR COUNCIL. (liec. September 17, 5.5 p.m.)

Sydney, September 17. Tho Labour Council Tejected by 52 votes to U the Trades' Hall sabotage, proposal.—Press Assn. [The Trades Union Congress proposed to prevent further deportations by "irritation strikes" among gas, municipal and employees.]