DEADLOCK IN FLAX INDUSTRY.

Shannon News, 24 July 1928, Page 2

DEADLOCK IN FLAX INDUSTRY.

OWNERS AND MEN EXCHANGE SUGGESTIONS WITHOUT RESULT.

CONFERENCE HELD.AT SHANNON

•As the flaxmill owners contend they efinnot run the mills to make a profit at the present rates of pay, and the members'of the Union contend they can,‘a conference was held at Shannon yesterday afternoon, between representatives from the Mill Owners Association and the Flaxworkers’ Union, when the latter submitted two proposals to the owners for their consideration. • The first was that “The Union asks for permission to send a. public accountant to examine the mill owners* books, with a request that he find out whether they can make a profit or not at the present price for fibre, the Union being prepared to abide by the auditor’s do\ This proposal was refused by every-miller in the room. The' other proposal suggested: by the Union was < ‘ that-wages be on. a slid-, ing scale, based on' the selling price of fibre.” This also was turned down by the millers. The riiillers then put forward, a counter’proposal to the Union, “That the rates of pay be reduced by ten per cent,, all round, (until such, time as the price for fibre reaches that which was obtained when the present award was made;”

In the evening this proposal was submitted by the Flaxworkers* representatives to a : special meeting of member* of the Union, about 100 being 'present. After consideration it was unanimously resolved,-“That this meeting of flaxr workers cannot see their way clear to accept any reduction in -the rate .of pay;'”- / - "

It was hoped that the conference would bring about'a settlement .satisfactory to both parties, but unfortunately the position still remains the same. v • •