MINERS’ DEMANDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1938, Page 5

MINERS’ DEMANDS

THIRTY HOUR WEEK SOUGHT WITHOUT REDUCTION OF PAY GENERAL STRIKE THREAT IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, August 4. Delegates of the Miners’ Federation opened their convention at Sydney today to determine whether there should be a general strike in the coal, industry aiming at shorter hours, pensions, and improved safety conditions. A memorial ceremony for the 73 men killed in mines in the eastern States in the past year preceded the opening of the convention, the delegates standing with bowed heads during a minute's silence. The majority of mines in Australia were idle today, with similar observance at the pitheads. Only one of 12 collieries at Cessnock northern coalfields worked today. Delegates from all the States and New Zealand are attending the convention, the proceedings being held in camera. It was later learned that the convention intended within a few days to serve log claims on the Federal and State Governments, also on colliery proprietors. The claims include a 30hour five-day week without reduction of pay, pensions for miners retired at 60*years of age, 14 days’ annual leave, and far-reaching safety measures. If the demands are not conceded within ■two weeks from the date or serving the log, a general strike will be declared.