ENGINEERS’ LOCK-OUT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1922, Page 5

ENGINEERS’ LOCK-OUT.

SITUATION VERY GRAVE. 3,500,000 UNEMPLOYED. BITTER FEELINGS PREVALENT. By Telegraph/*.■Press Assn. —Copyright. Received March 29, 5.5 p.m. London, March 29. The gravest economic and industrial situation is developing from the engineering trouble. The amalgamated unionists have definitely refused to resume negotiations while locked out. The employers’ notices to kindred union* operate immediately. The aggregate number of men locked out is 776,000 exclusive of ninety thousand previously unemployed. The lock-out of the shipyard workers operates to-day, involving a further 300,000. Many other trades are indirectly, but gradually, involved, owing to the shortage and non-supply of engineering materials. It is estimated that a total of a million and a half workers have been added to the general unemployment figures, which reach, approximately, three and one-third million.

It is common knowledge that the funds of the various unions are at a low ebb. The men actually locked out are not entitled to relief. It is impossible to foresee the extent of the economic distress ensuable. Many Labontes suggest this is a real reason if or the employers’ obduracy in dealing with the men’s proposals. Others cynically declare that owing to the existing adverse trade and industrial conditions, the employers welcome the opportunity to close down their works, which are being conducted at a loss. Very bitter feelings are prevalent among the workers, who attribute the most mercenary motives to the employers.