Colonel NEWMAN(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether the National Union of Gas Workers has decided in favour of an immediate general strike involving over 1,000 municipal and private undertakings; whether he is aware of the determination of the general public that this essential public service shall be carried on by voluntary effort should the Union refuse to submit its case to arbitration, and what steps is he proposing to take?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)In connection with claims for an advance of wages and certain rearrangements in regard to overtime rates, week-end payments and holidays, the Unions connected with the National Federation of General Workers have recently taken a ballot on the question of a stoppage of work to secure their claims. This ballot, the results of which were declared on 3rd June, showed a large majority in favour of a stoppage of work, and accordingly notices have been tendered and will expire on Saturday, 26th June. My Department have been in close touch with the representatives of the employers, and with the representatives of the Unions during the last few 1755 days, and at my suggestion a joint meeting was held on Tuesday last. I regret to say that the meeting did not arrive at a settlement. My Department have since remained in touch with the two sides, and my hon. and gallant Friend can rest assured that I am fully aware of the importance of the dispute, and that I shall lose no opportunity of utilising to the full the services and powers of my Department in an endeavour to effect a settlement.