Successful Conciliation.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 801, 21 December 1894, Page 4

Successful Conciliation.

A remarkable agreement has just been effected between the Tyne, Wear, Tees and Hartlepool ship-builders and the Executive Council of the Boilermakers’ and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders’ Society, one of the most, important trade unions in Great Britain. In respect to wages, it sets forth that no general alteration shall be made until after 6 calendar months have elapsed from the date of the last alteration, and no single alteration can exceed 5 per cent. Four weeks’ notice in writing is to be given. Previous to such notice being given by either side, a request for a meeting between the associated employers and the Boilermakers’ Society must be given by the party intending to give notice; this meeting to be held within 14 days after the receipt of the request. Failing agreement during the month’s notice, the notice may be extended to any time not exceeding another month, if acceptable to both parties; but, whatever the settlement may be, the advance or reduction (if any) will begin from the expiration of the first month’s notice. Should a settlement not be effected, the question may be dealt with as may seem best. Sectional or individual disputes, in the first instance, are to be referred to the Society’s officials and the employer or his representatives. If any dispute takes place respecting the price of work, the job is to be proceeded with as on piece, and, whatever the price may be when the dispute is settled, the same will be paid from the beginning of the job. Failing a settlement by ordinary means, the terms of settlement are to be adjusted by a Committee representing employers and the Boiler-makers’ and Iron and Steel Ship-builders’ Society within 14 days. Power is also given to each side to ask for a revision of rates in certain contingencies, and it is stipulated that work in all cases shall be proceeded with without interruption pending the settlement of a dispute, whether as to prices or otherwise. A standing Committee of three on each side (exclusive of the delegate on each side) is to be appointed for each river to consider local disputes. Tlie scheme is to be tried for a period of 5 years, to be afterward terminable by 6 months’ notice on either side. The result of the voting by the men on these proposals was as follows: For, 15,960; against, 11,840; majority for, 4,110.