STRIKE SETTLED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 October 1938, Page 5

STRIKE SETTLED

MINERS TO RESUME WORK IN AUSTRALIA FULL INQUIRY PROMISED. UNDERTAKING BY STATE GOVERNMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. SYDNEY, October 6. The Minister of Labour, Mr Mair, announced in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon that the coal strike had been settled, the State Government having agreed to conduct a full inquiry into pensions and workers’ compensation. An early resumption of work is anticipated. PROPOSED TERMS SETTLEMENT CONDITIONAL AS YET ATTITUDE OF THE UNIONS (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The terms of agreement announced by Mr Mair are:—(l), The question of pensions and special compensation provisions to be dealt with by special tribunal to be set up by the Government. (2) The safety tribunal to continue its inquiry into questions of safety and health in mines. (3) Purely industrial matters to be referred for determination by arbitration. Mr Mair said he expected an early resumption of work. It is stated on behalf of the combined mining unions, however, that the strike is not yet off, but that an early resumption of work is possible provided the formula agreed to by Mr Mair on behalf of the New South Wales Government is implemented by other State Governments and by the coal-owners. It is reported in union circles that a resumption is dependent upon the decision of the Engine-drivers’ and Firemens’ Association, members of which occupy key positions in the mines. That union served on the owners demands ever more far-reaching than those of the miners.