COAL DISPUTE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 August 1938, Page 5

COAL DISPUTE

STRIKE THREAT IN AUSTRALIA ISSUE REFERRED TO RANK & FILE. PITHEAD MEETINGS TO BE HELD. By Telegraph —Press Association. Copyright. SYDNEY, August 5. The coal miners’ convention was continued today in camera. It was revealed today that the actual decision on the strike issue will be made by the rank and’file at pithead meetings in two weeks’ time after the service of the log (cabled yesterday) on the proprietors. In the Legislative Assembly the Premier, Mr B. S. B. Stevens, replying to Mr W. Davies, who represents a South Coast coal mining constituency, said that the coal dispute was receiving the consideration of the Government, and that the Minister concerned was ascertaining the points at issue. If the occasion demanded action by the Government, this would be dictated by what it considered to be in the best interests of both parties and the State. The miners’ log claims will be served on the Federal and State Governments, also on colliery proprietors. The claims include a 30-hour 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. It was reported that if the demands are not conceded within two weeks from the date of serving the log, a general strike would be declared. PROPOSED TRIBUNAL. ATTITUDE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT. (Recd This Day, 10.50 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The Government is prepared to appoint a tribunal consisting of a judge of Supreme Court status and two others, representing employers and employees, to inquire, into the safe working of coal mines. The Premier, Mr B. S. B. Stevens, made this announcement when asked to define the Government’s attitude on the claims of the Miners’ Federation.