Labor in N.S.W.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 31, 28 May 1914, Page 5

Labor in N.S.W.

THE NEW FEDERATION.

HAS A MIXED REpEPTiON.

[By Electric Telegraph —-Copyright! f United Pjwss Absootat on. ; (Received 8.60 a.m.) Sydney, May 28. Various views are expressed by unionists regarding the new Federation. In one direction it is claimed to be merely a political move as a prelude to an early dissolution of the Federal Parliament. Another is that if the whole thing can be accepted at its face value it is really a fine accomplishment, bringing into line the whole union movement in Xew South Wales, and should make for permanent industrial peace. Dissentient unionists declare that the fact that the Federation declined to send a delegate to the New Zealand conference is a" clear proof that the leaders of the Federation have no wish to become mixed up with the Dominion “Red Federation.” If the Federation was in earnest it would not be ashamed to meet New Zealand unions. One added; “They are not in earnest and they know the Dominion men would soon find them out.” The employers are loth to express any opinion until something more definite is known of the Federation’s intentions. The general opinion seemed to be that the idea of one big union favored the employers; as it would preclude the constant source of annoyance in having to negotiate with many different bodies. One employer sumriiarised the situation thus': “I believe we will have one big fight so as to permanently settle all these things.” :— ~ V i

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS TO THE INDUSTRIAL ACT.

THE WAGES BOARDS TO GO. •!fi , , ill ;i ; (Received 9.25 a.m.) i Sydney, May 28. Mr Holman states that the proposed amendments in the Industrial Act include the abolition of permanent Wages Boards and the appointment of two more Judges to deal with cases, the inclusion of all workers in tlie Act, excepting those specially exempted, and better provision for securing conferences where strikes are threatened. COLLIERS’ AFTERNOON SHIFT. } I‘TROUBLE AT NEWCASTLE. (.Received 9.25 a.m.) Sydney, May 28, Meetings of miners at several of the collieries in the Nen l ca)stle district decided not to work the’ ’afternoon shift.