AUSTRALIAN STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1922, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN STRIKE.

A LABOR STATEMENT. AUTHORITIES BLAMED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, May 12. The Labor Council has issued a statement which says the Government has rt fused to conduct an inquiry into the objectionable conditions now being forced upon the railway workers, and now stands as the enemy of the organised workers. The men’s leaders are exerting every effort to prevent an outbreak, and, after an exhaustive effort last night, succeeded in keeping the men at work. The leaders are convinced that the authorities are determined to force the Issue, and they are working feverishly to consolidate the workers’ organisations. If a strike is inevitable, then it must take place at the time moat favorable to the workers. The Board of Trade has fixed the basic wage at £3 18s, all Labor representatives on the board agreeing that the new wage is a fair thing. The board will again review the wage in October.

THE BASIC WAGE. ACCEPTANCE PROBABLE. Sydney, May 13. The minority report of the Board of Trade favored £3 15s 9<l as the basic wage, contending £3 18s was too high and that the cost of living reductions warranted a decrease of 6s 9d. Employers believe the board’s decision will assist to relieve unemployment. Many prefer not to reduce wages if the employees work longer hours and increase production. There is a general feeling that the trades unions will accept the decision, but the Labor Council threatens an industrial upheaval when the reduction is made effective. ENGINEERS WILL RESIST. Received 'May 14, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, May 14. A meeting of engineers carried a motion resisting any reduction in wages or increase in hours, and undertaking to act in conjunction with all other unions in the endeavor to combat any lowering of the standard of living. All the union leaders meet’ on Monday to discuss the new wages.