LABOR TROUBLES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1926, Page 1

LABOR TROUBLES

SEIUOUS POSITION IX COAL TRADE. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association. 1 SYDNEY. April 29. As a result of the coal conference adjourning sine die, stoppages at collieries throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania appear inevitable, when the ultimatum expires on Bth. .May. Besides idling twelve bundled engine drivers, it will involve about 30,000 miners and operatives. The cause of the breakdown .at the Conference was the claim of the employees for the restoration of certain marginal differences, which were lost under the Hibhlc Award. The men demanded the owners should grant margins to them and the owners refused, hut stated they were prepared to allow the matter to go lieforc n special tribunal. The men’s representatives refused this offer. Hibhlc in a statement at the conclusion, emphasised the award did not in one single instance reduces wages or lower conditions. On the contrary, the owners had given substantial increases of a shilling to Is 6d daily, besides in many respects improved working conditions. It was true the full marginal differences between base rates and higher paid men, had not been maintained as in the circumstances it had been found impossible to do so. He warned engine drivers that their contemplated action was quite illegal, notwithstanding the fact that fourteen days’ notice was given. Tho notices should he withdrawn and proper constitutional measures relied upon. Aten working under Federal awards in metal trades are in no way perturbed by the threatened action of the employers over tho forty-four hours’ decision. The man are resolutely determined to continue work under present conditions, and state ilia if employers put their threatintoeliVct.it "ill amount to a lockout, and will therefore constitute a breach of the Crimes Yet. They say the Federal awards prescribe not more than forty-eight hours shall ho worked, and do not prevent men working less tliian fortyeight.