WILL THERE BE A STRIKE

Otaki Mail, 8 January 1923, Page 3

WILL THERE BE A STRIKE

* ALLIANCE OF LABOUR'S BALLOT. VARIOUS OPINIONS. Wellington, January 0. The New Zealand Alliance of Labour is taking a strike ballot, closing on January 15 on the question ol ceasing work as a protest against the reduction o! wages ordered by the Arbitra-

tion Court lust year. the watersiders, who are affiliated with tile Alliance, have also taken a separate ballot in respect to their own award, and the result is expected to be announced in a few days. Regarding Hie Alliance's action, the Assistant Secretary ol the Employers' Federation states that the employers generally was-uot greatly concerned .it

the possibility of a general strike, as they cannot imagine any leaner who would accept the responsibility of ordering it even had i' been approved by ballot. The probability of the workers desiring to strike is even more remote. A strike on a Lugo scale would throw the Bominion back into tlie depression from winch it is emerging, but it could not be successful, as it would not have public support. A general strike would be a severe blow to trades unionism, - and

would be the end of the Alliance of Labour. An official of one hnporlani union says the Alliance has done nothing but talk ever since it came into existence. Its own organisation is its weakness, and by its own constitution it ha:.- stultified itself again and again. It the opportune time to strike is now, he says, the teamen must have been in the wrong when they left off work 0..,-li7 it, V.ii'f.mhnr

In Alliance circles it is stated the ballot is no mere threat at all, as alleged, but will be. acted upon n the verdict be favourable, by the executive calling out the affiliated organisations. I! is considered that the workers will be able to stand the financial strain ot a prolonged struggle. A gentleman closely in touch with the industrial situation says the strike ballot is a direct challenge to the Arbitration system, and argues that the fact, that the cost of living is failing is evidence that the employers passed on the reductions in wages to the public.