§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Minister of Labour what ballots have been taken by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers in connection with disputes now existing in the engineering trade; and what percentage the majority in each case constituted of the total membership of the union?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere have been two recent ballots of the members of the Amalgamated Engineering Union in connection with matters that are under discussion in the present dispute. The first was taken on a provisional agreement relating to overtime and nightshift conditions dated 29th and 30th September, 1920. The result was as follows:
For the agreement … 62,668 Against … 19,517 Majority for … 43,151 At that time the total membership of the Amalgamated Engineering Union was about 460,000, inclusive of members on superannuation benefit, and members of branches overseas. The result of a second ballot, which was taken on the provisional agreement of 17th and 18th November, 1921, interpreting the agreement of September, 1920, was as follows:
The present membership of the union is approximately 409,000.
For acceptance … 35,525 Against … 50,240 Majority against … 14,715 The information in my possession does not enable me to state exactly what per- 84W centage the majority in each case constituted of the membership of the union eligible to vote as certain classes, such as members abroad, did not take part in the ballot.
§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Minister of Labour how many members belong to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers; how many workers will be affected if there is a lock-out in the engineering trade; and how many if the shipbuilding trade is affected as well?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe membership of the Amalgamated Engineering Union is, approximately, 409,000. It is not at present possible to estimate the number of workpeople employed by firms who might become involved in a lock-out.