TRADE UNION CONGRESS

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 25

TRADE UNION CONGRESS

THE BUDGET EXTOLLED. LONDON, September 7. The Trade Union Congress has opened at Ipswich, 495 delegates, representing ] 1,701,000 unionists, being present. Mr Shackleton, M.P., who presided, declared that the Budget was the greatest financial ' reform of modern times. The care of the • aged, the feeding of necessitous children, j and humaner treatment of the unemployed j would make an ever-increasing demand on j the public purse, and the Budget afforded an opportunity of finding the money without unduly taxing the people. September 8. The Trade Union Congress condemned any compulsory enlistment of the working classes into the Territorials, and also the use of the Territorials for suppressing strike riott. Mr Shackleton explained that Mr Haldane had already stated that the Territorials were not to bt used in connection with trade disputes. September 9. Mr Keir Hardie, addressing the Trades Union Congress, said that the Labour party had put the right to work or of maintenance in the forefront of its demands. There was now a promist that both claims would be admitted. State insurance against unemployment would be equivalent to maintenance. This development, which was the most revolutionary measure ever introduced into Parliament, would provide them with work. The Government had also pro- j mised insurance against sickness. Alto- ; gether they were on the eve of great developments. September 10. The Trade Union Congress, by 715,000 votes to 712,000, rejected its Pailiament- j ary Committee's proposal that the State , should make grants to the trade unions for the benefit of unemployed members. A similar resolution was passed last congress, but the miners' delegates, representing 500,000 votes, now opposed the motion on the ground that it would aggravate the question of unemployment. Resolutions were carried in favour of the reduction of the pension age to 60, and . in favour of Labour Day celebrations in ; Britain. j It was resolved that Labour Exchanges , should not be used to assist farmers having disputes with their workpeople. ! September 11. I The Trade Union Congress overwhelm.-

ingly rejected Mr Ben Tillett's motion -n favour of compulsory arbitration in trade disputes. Resolutions were carried in favour of a general eight-hour day, the land clauses of the Budget, and regular autumn sessions of Parliament. The principle of equal wages for equal work for men and women was affirmed. September 12. The Trade Union Congress has closed. It was resolved that a democratic education policy should include the State maint-Miajioe of school children; ■ their scientific and physical education, and skilled medical treatment for all requiring it. Also that all secondary and technical schools be open to the education of every child, the Imperial Exchequer to bear the cost by means of grants and the restoration of misappropriated educational endowments.