THE TRANSPORT STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1924, Page 2

THE TRANSPORT STRIKE

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LReuters Telegrams.] TRAM STRIKE SETTLED. LONDON, March 28. The strike is settled. THE SETTLEMENT TERMS. LONDON, March 29. . The terms of the settement reached between the companies, ihc Negotiating Committee and the Transport Workers’ Union are subject to confirmation by the Transport Union Delegates’ Conference, which is to be held to-da;9 and possibly to a ballot of the iitefisS Pending this ratification'of the ternisj the ineonvenieuco suffered by Jtmjmßi ers for the past week will it is hoped that some service will start again on the event of the 'terms able; The provisional settlement has carried with it a postponement of the threatened tube strike at midnight last night. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that lull services on the undergrounu railways will not be available earlier than part of to-day, owing to the difficulty of communicating the postponement of-the strike to the men who are off duty’. The news of last night’s turn of affairs obtained wide publicity, despite the comparatively late hour (9.30 by‘being broadcasted. : In the House of Commons, Mr Gosling, moved the second reading of the London Traffic Bill. He said it merely proposed to constitute an advisory committee to the Ministry, of Transport. He appealed to the- authorities in London to give this measure a fair trial, and said he hoped it would result in the formation of some larger scheme which would meet with a renewal of the agreement. Mr Baldwin, supported the Bill.

Mr Percy Harris moved its rejection, on the grounds that it was contrary to the principles of local government, and that it conferred a monopoly upon private undertakings. He said that London must, sooner or later, come into line with other cities, where the traffic is controlled by the municipalities. Mr Sydney Webb, arguing in .favour of the Bill, emphasised the necessity of dealing with the traffic problems in view of the coming Exhibition at Wembley. Mr Harris’s amendment was rejected by 211 to 112. and the Bill was read a second time. LONDON, March 29. • The terms of the strike settlement are that the men shall receive Gs weekly of an advance in wages immediately. The remaining 2s that the men demanded will fluctuate, according to the cost of living. V

Mr Bevan submitted the terms of settlement to a conference of delegates from the Transport Workers’ Union.

After a lengthy discussion it. was decided that the position should he explained to the strikers to-morrow; and a ballot will be taken on Monday. It is understood that the Delegates’ Conference will refrain from, making any recommendation to the strikers-. Mr Bevan’s speech was well received, but strong opposition developed, chiefly on account of the poorer terms offered to tlio lower grade mil.