TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2249, 22 July 1908, Page 2

TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL.

the annual confe rencs. [Pue6S Association.] WELLINGTON, July 21. Tlio Trades and Labor Conference passed l a. resolution affirming the heed lor the statutory limitation of working hours to 44 per week. Mr. J. Afoweilor (Invercargill) moved that the Arbitration Act be amended to provide that where the necessity occurs of discharging hands in any industry under an award the employees may demand a ballot to decide which of their number shall ho discharged. Mi-. A. H. Cooper (Wellington) moved as -an amendment that section 108 of the Act be amended to provide that the onus be placed on an emplover to prove that an employee had been discharged for some legitimate cause. The amendment was carried. Mr. Long (Auckland) moved, “That in tlio opinion of this conference, preference to unionists should, he compulsory, and not at the discretion of tin. Arbitration Court, as the capricious withholding of the preference clause from such unions as the teamen’s, Tramways’, -and Carters’ Unioiv> causes the workers to lose faith in the administration of tlio Arlnrtatioil Act.” A -mod deal of discussion arose_ as to wTiether preference to unionists should be statutory and unconditionaland a motion was moved to have thes Q words embodied in Mr. s motion. It was finally decided that the words “unconditional and' compulsory” should not be included; preference only to be statutory ;the addition' in the amended form being carried. . ' .. .