THE LABOR TROUBLES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2006, 11 February 1890, Page 1

THE LABOR TROUBLES.

London, Feb. 6. Mann asserts that the dock owners manifesto is a failure. The dockers will oppose it with all their strength. The Japanese workmen in the Metropolis will endeavor to revert to the eight hours system unless it is specially agreed to re-engage the strikers whenever vacancies occur. Feb. 7. Shippers fearing a strike withhold goods from the control of the dock companies. The new London docks scheme has been abandoned. The Monastery wharf at Wepping has locked out the wharf laborers, The dockers have asked Hayes to give them piecework at a price virtually covering meal times. If re. fused the dockers will try to arrange the old terms in order to gain time during which the Unions will be strengthened with a view ot renewing tbe strugglo in the summer. Feb. 8. Many additional docks and wharves aro joining the Employers' Union. The coal owners of the United Kingdom propose to federate «nd limit labor to eight hours per day, and to counter, balance the restriction of hours the output will be decreased by thirty million tons per annum and the price increased by 5s per ton, Opinion in England is adverse to the German Emperor's proposed labor reforms. The stevedores and lightermen have refused help to the dockers, alleging that it is imprudent to coerce employers when trade is slack, but have agread to cooperate with them later on. The dockers are forbidding the loading of non-union carmen, and the blockiog 4 of Hayes goods except at Hayes wharf, To-day Olliver's and the colonial wharves have locked out the laborers. The master lightermen have formed a union, and any member retaining a man refusing to navigate barges forfeits £2OO. All fear of a general strike is over. The dock owners are preparing a scheme to enable them to contribute to the sick and benefit fund of the employes. Berlin, Feb, 6. The Emperor of Germany declares his firm resolve to ameliorate the condition of the working classes, and try and modify the evil effects of international competition. He is anxious lo promote peaceful relations between employer and employed, and regrots that Germany does not possess England's countless millions to promote and develop colonization. The Emperor proposes to consider legislation for the regulation of factories and legalising combinations of workmen. Feb. 7. The Emperor's labor decree has caused a prodigious sensation throughout Germany. The Press of all shades declare it will advance the well-being of hi 3 subjects, and prove an additional safeguard to tho throne, Tho decree was issued on the Emperor's own initiative. Rumors are about that Bismarck was op. posed to it, but the idea of any difference between tho Kaiser and his Chancellor meets with no credit.