THE JOINT BOARD,

REPRESENTING THE

Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, The General Federation of Trade Unions, and The Labour Party.

W. C. Steadman, J.P., M.P., W. A. Appleton, J. Ramsay MacDonald, M.P.

168-170, Temple Chambers, Temple Avenue, London, E.C.

November 26th, 1907.

A meeting of the above was held at the· office of the General Federation of Trade Unions on the above date. Mr. Alex. Wllkie, M.P., presided, and there were also in attendance Mr. W. C. Steadman, M.P., Mr. Will Thorne, M.P., Mr. W. A. Appleton, and Mr. Pease, the latter representing the L.R.C. Alderman Allen Gee, J.P., wrote regretting his inability to attend.

Seoretary.-It waS Resolved-That Mr. W. A. Appleton be appointed Secretary in the place of Mr. Isaac H. Mitchell, resigned. Importation and Exportation of Blacklegs.-The National Labourers' Council asked through Mr. Sexton that the Joint Board receive a deputation from the societies most concerned with this matter, and it was Resolved-That this deputation be asked to attend the next meeting of the Joint Board. Municipal Employees' Assooiation.-It was decided that the considera­ tion of this Associatiou's affiliation. to the various representative labour move­ ments be deferred, in order that any objections might be definitely stated by the societies interested. Meetings of the Board.-Those present expressed themselves strongly in favour of fixed dates for the meeting of the Board, and the Secretary was instructed to try and arrange suitable times. Agenda fol' Joint Board.-It was Resolved-That in future the matters to be brought before the Board be indicat8d on the notice convening the meeting, those desiring the consideration of subjects to notify the Secretary seven days before the Board meetl:l. i I.\ Privale and Confidential. I I I THE JOINT BOARD,

REPRESENTlNG

I \ \ The Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, , The General Federation of Trade Unions, and the I.abour Party.

W. C, Steadman, J.P., M,P" W, A. Appleton, J, Ramsay MaoDonald, lP.

25th February, 1908. A meeting of the above, was held at the office of thE: Labour Party on the 25th of February, 1908, and there were present Mr. David Shackleton, M.P., Mr. A. H. Gill, M.P., Mr. Alex. Wilkie, J.P., M.P., and Mr. W. C. Steadman, M.P., representing the Parliamentary Oommittee of the 'l'rades Union Congress; Mr. Pete Ourran, M.P., Mr. John Ward, M.P., Alderman A11en Gee, J.P., and Mr. W. A. Appleton, representing the General Federation; Mr. A. Henderson, M.P., Mr. J. R. Olynes, M.P., Mr. W. O. Robinson and Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald, M.P., representing the Labour Party. It wa[;- Resolved: That Mr. D. J. Shackleton, M.P., take the chair. The minutes of the meeting held on 26th November, 1907, were read and confirmed. . Eleotion of Offioers.-It was- ., ( 1 Resolved: That Mr. David J. Shnekletonj M.P., be the Preaident of the "Board for the ensuing year; that ML'.p"'. Henderson, M.P., be the Vice­ President, and Mr. W. A. Appletoll theSecretary responsible for the convening of meetings, the preparatio'u of agendas, ' and the taking of minutes. Oorrespondenoe.-Mr. Appleton reporte.d receiving correspondence relative to the differences between the Municipal Employes' Associ~tion and the Gasworkers and General Labourers' Union, and it was- I Resolved: That the Secretary supply each member of t,he Board with copies of the resolutions bearing on such differences which had been passed by the Trades Union Oongress and the Joint Board, along with copies of the new rules of the Municipal Employes. It waS further- Resolved: That the whole matter be discussed at a special meeting of thl Joint Board, to be held at the Labour Party's Office on March 17th, 1\.)08, at noon. Exportation of Blacklegs.-The correspondence conn~cte~l with .the protests of the National Labourers' Council and other. orgamsatloDS ~galDst the importation and exportation of blacklegs was dIscussed, and It was L THE JOINT BOARD, reported that the Labour Party had already ~ done whatever Parliamentary REPRElSENTING usage llermitted.. They had been uus~ccessful in the ballot, but they were fully ahve to the Importance of the matter and would do everything possible to The Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress secure the passing of Mr. Will Crooks' Bill for the extension of the Foreign , Enlistments Act. The General Federation of Trade Unions, and The Labour Party. Resolved: That a letter be sent to the National Labourers' Council --....;=,.. ,=;--- according I y. ~l.'crdal:'bl\: CONSTITUTION OF THE JOINT BOARD. W. C. Steadman, J.P., M,P" W, A. Appleton, J, Ramsay MacDonald, lP, The .Toint Board then proceeded to discuss its constitution, and it decided to recommend for acceptance by its constituent bodies the following :- --....;=H=;--- 1. That the Joint Board shall consist of three representatives and A Special Meeting of the Joint Board was held at the offices of the Labour the secretaries from the Parliamentary Oommittee of the Trades Union Party on the 17th of March, 1908. Congress, the General Federation of Trade Onions, aud the Labour Party. Mr. D. J. Shackleton, M.P., presided. Also in attendance-Mr. C. W. 2. The officers of the Joint Board shall be a President, a Vice­ Bowerman, M.P., Mr. A. H. Gill, M.P., Mr. Arthur Henderson, M.P., Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald, M.P., Mr. John Ward, lVLP., Alderman President, and three Secretaries, one of whom should act as Convenin ct Allen Gee, J.P., Ml'. W. C. RobinsoD, and Mr. W. A. Appleton. Secretary, such to be elected at the Annual Meeting. t:I The meeting had been called to take into considel·d.tion the Trade Union 3. The Annual Meeting shall be held on the first vVec1nesday in status of the Municipal Employes' Association. February of each year, and other statutory meetings on the first The previous resolutions of the Trades Union Congress and the Joint Wednesday in May, August, and November of each year. Board were considered, together with the rules of the Municipal Association 4. All expenses sanctioned by the Board shall be borne in equal and the letter of Mr. R. Davies. proportion by the three organisa.tions represented, expenses of repre­ The Joint Board desired that its decisions should not appear to be directed sentatives being paid by the organisations sending them. against any individual organisation, but that it should attempt to deal with an 5. The Joint Boa.rd shall be the body to determine the bon(i jidc~ of important problem by deciding that, within a given time, all unions VI hich any Trade U nioll affiliated, or applying for affiliatioD, to any of the sought to separate workmen from the Trade Union which was organised for constituent orgl1nisations. the phase of industry to which they belonged should be refused recognition by the Trades Union Oongress, the General Federation of Trade Unions, and the .6: The JOillt Bo.ard shall consider and report as to whether new Labour Party. With that object in view the following resolution was passed SOCletJeS connect_d WIth trades already covered by existinG organisations nemo con.:- shall be encouraged or otherwise. 0 That this Board re-adopts the decision of the Trades Union Congress of 1906, 7 ..The Bo~rd shall consider and decide references made to it by any regarding the impropriety or a separation between public and private employcs ODe of Its constItuent bodies regarding questions affecting them jointly, 01' for Trade Union purposes, as follows !- about which some doubt or difference may have arisen as to which body That any method of organisation which seeks to cuvide work~en they properly belong. employed by Public Authorities from their fellows in the. same occupatIOns employed by private firms is detrimental to the best lllterests of Trade . 8. The Board ~hall consider and agree upon joint political or other Unionism. actlOn when such lS deemed to be advantaaeous 01' necessary and is But in view of the fact that the three national organisations have agreed to by all the constituent bodies. t:I .' recognised such unions formed ?f work?r~ employed by the ~tate and the Municipalities, the Joint Board IS of OPllllO~ that no slllgle .u~lOn should be 9. The Board may, in cases of trade disputes, with the concurrence separately dealt with at present, the Board IS, however, of opllllOn that by the of the Executive of the union or unioDs affected, use its influence to bring first day of May, 1910, all these unions of publicly employed workpeople should about a settlement. be assimilated in national unions, and recommen<1s that after that elate no recognition should be given to any sectional union then in existence. The Joint Board further decided to advise Trade Unionists to refrain from assisting in the organisation 01' attempted organisation of such sectional unions. Unemployed Bill.-In view of misleading statement~ made ?y a. s~cLion of the Press it was resolved that the following resolutIOn be llnmedlately published:- The Joint BoaJ;el, representing the Parliamentary Committee o~ the ~~~c1es Union Congress, the Management Committee of the General Fec1er.atlOn of !r,a.c1e Unions and the Labour Party, met to-clay, and amongst oth~r tlnngs consJ(lered the debate on the Unemployed Bill last ~'l·ic1ay. I~ Unanll~lOus:y resolve~l ~o ' k M P W Wilson M P for introcluclllg the BIll, and, m vIew of certam t'11an r... " ., t th t 't f lly resllon statements made during the debate, it desires to sta e .a I was u. . _ - CO-OPERATIVE PRINTING SOCIETY LIMITED, TUDOR Sl'REET, NEW HRIlIGE STliEET, sible for the Bill being clrafted anc1 introtlucecl, ancl repudlate~ n;ost stronglJ thc AND AT MANOHESTER AND· L;;EWOASTLlll. suggestion that in its working it will be inimical to Trac1e Umomsm. _._T~_E _~~OINT_~QJ\RD, ~ ~--.--.=-=:.=------.--

REPRESENTING THE Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, The General Federation of Trade Unions, and The Labour Party.

-----;=I.. ,~---

g

168-170, Temple Chambers, Temple Avenue, London, KC. May 1908.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

APRIL 2BtG9!1 1908. Mr. D. J. Shackleton, M.P., presiding. Also present: Messrs. W. C. S.teadman, M.P., A. H. Gill, M.P., Alex. Wilkie, M.P., John Ward, M.P., Pete CUrl'an, M.P., AId. Allen Gee, J.P., Messrs. J. R. McDonald, M.P., A. Henderson, M.P., J. R. Clynes, M.P., W. C. Robinson, and W. A. Appleton. Representing the executives of the unions involved: Mr. A. Stark, Associated Joiners; Mr. W. Matkin, General Union Cal'penters and Joiners: Mr. F. Smith, Amalgamated Carpenters; Mr. T. Parke, Wood Cutting Machinists; Mr. S. Hunter, Amalgamated Joiners; Mr. D. T. McLaren, Scottish Saw Millers, Mr. Alex. Gossip, ]lurnisbing Trades Association; and Mr. James O'Grady, M.P. Representing the local Workers' Oommittee: Messrs. Liddle, Patterson, Butterworth, Jones, McDonic, and AlIderson. Mr. Shackleton explained the cil'cumst,ances which called them together, and reported delegations to Newcastle and Oarlisle, the firilt of wbich arose out of a meeting of the Joint Board and the second out of a request by the local WOckers' committee. At Oarlisle they were told tlHtt the employers emphatically refused anything in the shape of arbitration or co~ciliation, and Q.rpmanded that the men should return to wcrk on the full reductlOll. 2 8 The executives present reported that the emploYe1's had accentuated their attitude by giving notice to terminate all existing conciliation agreements. . . It was r?solved on ~he motion of the executive representatives that thl' J omt Board Issue a mamfesto, ftnd that the preparation of this he placed in th~ After the meeting had been in progress some time Messrs. Wilkie and hands of Mr. W. C. Steadman, M.P., Mr. J. H. MacDollald 11 I' d M· '" A. Appleton. ' , .., an r r. H. Hunter asked for an adjournment to enable them to keep an appointment with the Board of Trade. The representfttives wore informed that a meeting of 1 'd' tl 't t' d . emp oyers was The meeting was adjoul'lled as requested, and at its reassembling Mr. consl. ermg .le SI Uft IOn, an It was resolved that they adJ'ourn until th'. Hunter said the President of the Board of Trade had certain suggestions to meetmg termmatecl. IS offer, but he declined to state these to any other than the executive oflicers of After .the adj?urnmen.t Mr. l!en~~r?on. reported that the employers had the unions involved. It was ultimately agreed that these officers be accom­ clo~ed theIr meetmg leavmg theIr affiau's III the hands of a sub-coimnittee pauied by Messrs. Shackleton, Curran and Henderson, anc1 the meeting which, however, had no power t? suspend notices, and it was definitely statecl adjourned till the following day. ~i~a.t thl?l'e co~~d becl no .suspendslO~ unless the men returned to work unCOll­ (ltJOna y on e re uC.i;lOn an WIthout further ballot, both sides agreeing to set ul? permanent machmery for the set~lell1ent of all future disputes on general quest~ons of w~ges and hours of l~bour III the ship-building yards, on the under­ APRIL 30t'!~ 1908. standIng that th.e Board so constltuted should be fully empowered to cleal with Mr. D. J. Shackleton, M.P., presidec1. Also present: Messrs. and settle questIOns before them. A. Henderson, M.P., J. R. MacDonalcl, M.P., John Warc1, M.P., Alex Willde, The delef:\'ates co~cu:l'~d in stating that these tenus could have' been bad M.P., Pete Curran, M.P., J. R. Clynes, M.P., W. C. Steadman, lVI.P., AId. before the stl'lke and lUlllvldually expressed their inability to accept them. Allen Gee, Messrs. W. C. Hobinson and W. A. Appleton. It was reso.lved that the thanks of the representatives of the workmen be Mr. J. O'Grady, M.P., and Messrs. Buttcrworth~ Johns, McDonic, Liddle, accorded the .Tom t Board for their efforts to secure a sdtlement. Patterson, Stark, Hunter, Park, Smith, and Mntkin represented the 1 Execuriives of the unions involved and the local committee. It was further resolved that the Joint Board meet on the 4th at noon in the House of COllaTIOns. Mr.' Shacldeton stated that little could be done at the moment for I negotiations were still proceeding. He therefore asked that the deputation should wait in London. MA Y 4th!l 1908. Mr. D . .T. Shacldeton, M.P., presided. Also present: Messrs. A. Hend<,t'soll, Answering the questions of the local representfttives as to pledges, M.P., Pete Om'ran, M.P., J. R. MacDonald, M.P., John Ward, M.P., Mr. Shackleton said it was understood that if the elllployers accepted what W. C. Steaclman, M.P., and W. A. Applcton. WftS suggested the men would return to work. The business of the nieeting was to consider the draft manifesto on the The local representatives contended that the situation at present concerned N.K coast situation and to deciae upon the ltdvisability of raising the quebtion only the N .E. coast, ftncl they asked that bofol'e any definite pledges were in the House of Commons. Various alterations in the text of the l11ftnifesto given they should be consulted. were suggested and the secretftry waS instructed to obtain revised proofs. It It was agreed that this should be done. was decided not to raise the question of the lock-out at the moment, but to leave this subject open until the result of pending negotiations was known. A long discussion on representation led to Mr. McDonic's name being It was resolved that the secretal'ytelegraph for the attendance of the sub­ added to the list. The meeting then adjourned till May 1st, at 2-30 p.m. committee, consisting of executive and local representatives, at a further meeting to be held ill the House of Commons on the 6th at 11. May 15t$ 1908. Mr. Hendel'son, M.P., presided. Also pretlent: Messrs. Pete Curran, MA Y 6th, 1908. M.P., .John Warrl, lVI.P., J. R. MacDonftld, M.P., A. H. Gill, M.P., S"ta."tu"toroy Mee"ting. W. C. Robinson, and W. A. Appleton. Mr. D, J. Shackleton, M.P., presided. Also in attendance: Messrs. W. C. "I Mr . .J. O'Grady, M.P. and Mr. Jenkins, M.P., and Messrs. Park, Smith, Steadman, lVI.P., A. I-:I. Gill, M.P., Pete CUl'ran, M.P., John Ward, M.P., Stark, Hunter, McLal'en, Liddle, Pattel'son, McDonic, ,TohIlS, Anderson, and AId. Allen Gee, Messrs. J. R. MacDonald, M.l'., J. R. CI)lleS, M.P., Butterworth represented the executives and local committee. '1\ A. Henderson, M.P., W. C. Robinson and W. A. Appleton. I, Mr. Hendcrson reported that the terms suggested to the employers hacl The Minutes of previous meetings were received and confirmed. been considered by their committee, who cleclared that the similftrity of Lhe j CONSTITU TlON. terms with those previously rejected by jihe employers made it impossible for ;1 It was resolved that Rule 5 be amended by the insertion after the word them to suspend lock-out notices. "determine" on line 2 of the words "on the application of one of its The impression prevailed that a general lock-out WftS inevitable and the constituent 'bodies." It ~as resolved th~t Rule 9 be amended by the insertion representatives proceeded to discuss ways and means of dealing with this, aflier the word "affected" of the words, "and on the application of the \ constituent body affected." I J 4 5 May '11th, 190B. SEOTIONAL UNIONS. The bona-fides of the Smt,ll Arms Employee' Union and the Royal Mr. A. Henderson, M.P., presided. Also in attendance: Messrs. W. C Gunpowder Factory Employe..;' Union were inquired into, ltnd it was resolved Steadman, M.P., Pete Onrran, M.P., W. O. Robinson, and W, A. Appleton. that these be invited to attend the next statutory meeting of the .80ard, and, further, that the Amalgamated Sociel;y pf Engineers be asked for any Messrs. Jenkins, Butterwol'th, Matkin, Liddle, Johns, Patterson, Hunter, observations they may wish to make concerning these societies and I;heir rules. McDonic, Stark, Smith, Park, and Andersoll represented the executives and the local committee. LABOUR NEWSPAPER. An appointment having been arranged at the Board of Trade for 4-30 it The circular issued by the Parliamentary Oommit;tee of the Trades Union was resolved that the sub-committee meet at that time and the full Board at. Oongress and referred to the Joint Board was discussed at length, and it was 7 .m. Oonrerences at the Board of Trade necessitated a,rurther ac1joul'llment resolved that tbe question be referred to a sub-committee consisting or thA ur~il 9 p.m., when the later terms of reference were submItted as follows:- chairmen and secretaries of the organisations rorming the ,T oint Board, and that inquiries be institul;ed with a view to finding out whether private EMPLOYERS' TERMS. individuals would take up shares. 1. The men to return to work at a reduction of 1s. Gel. per week. NORTH-EAST COAST. 2. Within two weeks after the resumption of work a joint con­ }j'urther conrerence of those interested ill the dispute. Mr. ,hs. O'Grady, fel'ence to be held between the Shipbuilding Bmployers' Federation M.P., with Messrs. Park, Smith, Hunter, Stark, Liddle, Patterson, McDonic, and representatives of t~e various branches of the ~hipbuil?ing trade Butterworth, Anderson, Jenkins, Matkin and Johns now joined the Joint with a view to the settmg up of permanent maclllnery fall' to both Board, and the chairman informed them that the employers were coming to employers and employed to deal with all future questions tbat may town and that the Board of Trade desired the attendance of the acting sub­ arise in the shipbuilding trade. committee, consisting or the executive representatives of the unions involved. This committee desired the continued attendance and assistance of Messrs. Both parties to be free to ,make any proposals as to the constitu­ Shackleton, Ourran and Henderson. tion or this machinery. An adjournment took place to enable the committee to attend at the Each side to have its own chairman, selected from among them­ Board of Trade, and on the resumption the chairman reported that the employers absolutely refused to depart from the 1s. 6d. reduction, and they offered selves. nothing in the shape of machinery which appeared satisfactory to the men, If any branch of the shipbuilding ind.ustl'Y declines to be It was resolved that the responsible members present consult with the represented at the conference for the creatIOn of the' permanent executives and obtain definite instructions, and meet at the House of Oommons machinery above mentioned, th~s !act shall in no ,way prevent the at 2-30. conference being held, or render It m any way abortIve.

ADDENDUM. On the re-assembling of the meeting the following proposals were sub­ mitted as a basis upon which both sides could meet ;- Should a deadlock unfortunately arise at the conference with l'egarc~ t~ l1ny question of pl'Ocedme, the President of the Board o! Trade wO,uld a~dreBs A Joint Oonference to be held betweell the Shipbuilding Employers' a friendly invitation to the parties before th~ ~onference ls?roken off to dJSCUSS Federation and representatives of the various branches of the shipbuilding the difficulties with him, with a view to arrlVlng at a solutlOIl. trades, with a view to the setting up of permanent machinery fair to both employers and employed, to deltl with all ruture question,: that may arise in It was resolved that these be submitted to the men, and that ~lr. Apple~on the sbiphuilding trade. draft a statement and ballot paper for consideration the followmg mornmg Both parties to be free to make proposals as to the constitution of the at 11 a.m. machinery. Each side to have its own chairman selected from amongst themselves. . May 12th, 190B. The employers demand as an essential condition that the operatives should attend the first conference with plenary powers. J presl':Jed Also in attendance: Messrs. Pete CUl'ran, Ml' H en d erson M ."I Lt. • th J' t B cl It was also suggested that any branch of the shipbuilding industry not M.P., W. 0 Ro~in~on, and W. A. ~p~leton, repr;e~~:s~n ~id~~ Hu~~:r: : I represent~d at the present proceedings, 01' not represented at the conference for ana Messrs. J enlnns, Butter,worth'dMAat~nns, J o~ns"es:nting the executives in- th~ creatIon of the permanent machinery, should not prevent the conference ! McDonic, Stark, Park, SmIth an nCLerson, repr bemg held or in any way render it abortive. volvec1 and the local committee. r d b 11 t . was submitted and approved. It was resolved. that the meeting be adjourned until May 11tb, at 2-30, The following statement an a o. part 11 the members of the Joint and that the responSIble men take counsel with the executives and come with It was resolved that the statement be slgn~ ~ aid' definite instructions. ' Board and the representatives of the executIVes ll1VO ve .- 7 6 SOCIETIES' JOINT BALLOT VOTE

SHIPBUILDING LOOK-OUT. n OF ALL THE lI·IE'·[BE""'s OF ALT" THE SOCIETIES INVOI"VED IN THE l'ItESENT DISPUTE WITH THE SHII'BUII,DING RMPLOYEHS' FEDEI\ATION. STATElIIEN'l' AND BALLOT P Al'EIt. Mall, lflOH. Submitted !Lt the reques~ of th.e Joint Board, representing t.he TradeH It will be within the knowledge of all who are implicated in the Union Oongress, the General ]! ederatl?ll ofmTl'ade fU nhlonUs, .ancl ~he L\ !1~OUr unfortunate dispute on the North-East Ooast that from the early parb of April P!1l'ty, with the a~proval of the Executlve O· cers 0 t e mons lllVO ve(t. the Joint Board, representing the Trades Union Oongress, the General Federation of Trade Unions, and The Labour Party, has sought, in conjunction Are you in favour of accepting the terms of settle- YES.: with the executive officers of the unions involved, to effect a settlement on ment obtained from the employers by the i ____ !__ _ terms which Trade Unionists would consider honourable. The fact that others had unsuccessfully made simihu attempti-l did not Joint Board through the medium of the· NO. \ lighten the task of the Joint Board. Five weeks were spent in anxious Board of Trade '? negotiations before terms which appeared to offer a btsis of settlement could be obtained from the employers, and these terms ultimately came through the T- -te place a X o;poSH~ yes or no. An; ot.her mark will disqualify. medium of the Boarc1 of Trade. T~i:o b~lloL paper must be filled up and retluned in the orclioary way nl.,t later than These suggestions, though not wholly satisfactory, do concede provisions Saturday, May 23rd. for the establishment of permanent machinery for the settlement of future It was further resolved, that copies of the Statel;18ut a?d Ballot Paper be disputes. given to each society interested in order that each SOClety might take the ballot Your representatives, with the aid of the Joint Board, endeavoured to in accorc1ance with its own customs. secure more favourable terms, but without avail, anc1, after considering the gravity of the situation, they resolved to place the terms before the men for a direct vote. MA Y 25th~ 1Y08. Mr Arthur Henclerson, M.P., presided; and there we~e 7epresented ~n In proposing this course we recognise our serious responsibility, and desire he Joi~t Board: Messrs. W. O. Steadman, lVI.P., Alex. Wllkw, M.P., Wlll that the men shall equally recognise theirs and decide what is best for them­ t MP W Bowel'man M P John Ward, M.P., J. Ramsay Mac- selves and their unions. Thorne, . , 0 .. , .. , c10nald M.P. and W. A. Appleton. (Signed) R~presel~ting the executives of the. societies in~olve~ ar~ ~he Sloc~l 1 "' committee were: Messrs . .Tenlnns, 1\f.P., 0 Gra y, f • " • ~r , McDonic, Gossip, Butterworth, Anderson, Parke, Smith, D. J. SHACKLE'l'ON, ~~~~~~ l~iddel, Hunter anc1 Maclal·en. f cl W. O. STEADMAN, The Ohai~mal1 askec1 those present to decide ~vhat t f~rm 0 f~oCfat~:~ A. H. GILL, should be adopted in declaring a Vute which had ~en a {en on e, , ARTHUR HENDERSON, b 'tted by the employers on the North-East Coast. terms su ml . hOU Id b ubl' hed These J. RAMSAY MAcDoNALD, It was decic1ed that only the aggl'egateffighures s k heaPd exlse]'ci~ed their cl h tIt KO per cent o· t e wor men . . J. R. OLYNES, Joint Bow·d. fi.guhres sho'At'e ot. tth:s)~U24 ~45 were i~ favour of accepting the terms, wh\i1le rIg t t 0 vo e. " I d th t these figures he forma y W. O. ROBINSON. 22,110 were !Lgainst th~sd courStthIt ;Oau.sr~e~f i~ade,aand at the r~quest of the PETE OURRAN, resented to 1;he Presl ent 0 e H d" MP 0 VI{ Bower- P . f th 1 11 Messrs A en elson, ..,. . representatIves o· e wor mAle '1 t . (t~panied them on their visit to JOHN WARD, man, M.P., and W. A. . pp e on acc, ALD. ALLEN GEE, Mr. Ohurchill. W. A. ArrLETON. It was c1ecidec1 to press upon the employers :.- 1 Th t it' be a condition of re-startmg wo~k, tha.t the lllf.n g.o THOS. PAlU{, Wood Outting Machinists. . a I d in the old places III wInch t h ey were back to the same ant d that "he employers engage not to wo~~ e A. STARK, Associated Society Oarpenters and Joiners. engaged prior to the ItSPluth , an ploy' es U who came out on strike or start any new men un I e em T. McDoNIC, Sunderland anc1 Harblepool Shipwrights. locimd out had been re-started. . th F. S~II'l.'H, Amalgamated Union of O!Lbinet Makers. were2. That t~e ~underland ~~t~~.e :~rl~f~~lCl;~~~C~s~~~~t~~~~~~ I~ S. HUNTEH, Amalgamated Society Uarpenters and .roinel's. lock-out be wlthc1mwn and P P ts be made to arrange for the men D. ANDEHSON, Associatel1 Shipwrights. was recommenc1ed too tha~ attemp. . It was further resolved to W. MAT KIN, General Union of Oarpenters and Joiners. starting work on th~ Friday m~~~~~. of Trade invite the employers suggest that the ~resldent of the as such could be arranged, the J. O'GRADY, Furnishing Trades Association. ~o a conference lQ L:mdon as soon . . . . D. McLAHEN, Scottish Saw Mills Operatives. 8

President himself to take the chair if such a course was acceptable to the employers. The result of the ballot ancl the suggestions made were reported to JOI1~T BOARD, Mr. Ohurchill, who promised to do everything that was possible to further a THE settlement of the dispute. ======~~~~~~~======----- It was decided to adjourn the meeting in order to give the president opportunities to communicate with the employers. HEPREilEN'rING THE Mr. Henderson undertook to summon the full committee whenever definite information hac1 been obtained as to the employers' intentions. Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress,

MA Y 27th~ 1908. The General Federation of Trade Unions, and The Labour Party. Mr. Al'thnr Henderson, M.P., Mr. O. W. Bowerma,n, M.P., and Mr. ---~I .. I=;-'--- W. A. Appleton, represented the Joint Board. Mr. James O'Grady, M.P., Mr . .Tenldns, M.P., Mr. Alex Wilkie, M.P., and Messrs. Matldn, Gossip, giJ.'cl:da:ciJl>; : Smith, Parke, McLaren, McDonic, Hunter, Anderson, Butterwol'th, and Thomson. W. C. Steadman, M.P" W. A. Appleton, J. Ramsay MacDonald, lP, The President of the Board of Trade informed the representatives of the workmen that he had conveyed the result of the ballot as submitted to him on Monday to the employers on the North-East Ooast. He gathered, as a resulb 168-170, Temple Ohambers, of the interviews with the employers, that they considered the dispute on the W par was governed by the ballot, and thfLt the men might have to accept both Temple Avenue, London, E.O. reductions; that the men would be taken hack as opportunity permitted, but July, 1908. they would be given priority of employment. They had no intention of vietimising any men. Demarcations would be accepted as in the past. The employers declared that as soon as they received formal notification of the HOUSE OF COMMONS. termination of the strike they were prepared to open yards and arrange for the men to resume work. Mr. Parkes suggested that it would be necessary to arrange conditions of work before the formal notice of acceptance was JUNE 25th~ 1908. forwarded. He regarded the proper notice of ,the Wear Shipwrights as an essential condition of acceptance. Mr. McDonic said the men on the Wear Mr D J Shackleton, M.P., presided. Also in attendance: Messrs. · '11.' M' P W 0 Steadman M.P., Pete Curran, M.P., John Ward, absolutely refused to go back on the double reduction. The President of the Al ex. W 1 ne, .., . . , J R 01 MP Arthul' Board of Trade asked whether this question was not before the men on the M.P., AId. Alien Gee, Messrs. W. A. Appleton, . . ~nes, .., 8th of May, and whether they had not by their vote accepted the double Henderson, M. P., J. Ramsay MacDonald, M.P., W. O. Robmson. reduction. Mr. Hendel'son explained tbat the employers had no right in The' ,} oint Board mf't for the purpose of receiving. the report ~f !~e custom or equity to give notice while the men were out of employment. He sub-committee which had been appointed to draft a c~rculal' lett~r ? h: said the .Joint Board were prepared to'support the Wear in their demand for affiliated societies asking them to guarant3e a proportlOna.te sh~re ~fl1t;ed a customary and adequate notice. capital required to start the Labo~r Daily Newsl?:1ei·. Th~l~~~c~~:~na~liated The President and officials d the Board of rrade retired for a short time round the advisability of acceptm~ share ~apl a Will 0 T de Unions in order to give the representatives of the workmen opportunities to consider societies; and the legalitYor Otlt'WIS~ of l~n J~ci~~~mt~:t ~:c~t~:m;~ should ~e the situation privately. l were bemg. asked hto llla {~"t wr: b~alegal for Trade Unions to invest theIr On the return of the President of the Board of Trade, it was explainel made to dIscover ow f ar 1 W?U t d and to this end that the men were asked to ballot on the terms of the employers, and the main funds in a speculative undertalnng such as was lug)~:~o~ ~ere instructed to condition demanded was the acceptance of a general reduction of Is. 6d. The Messrs. Shacldeto~l, Ste~dman'l .Mac~o~:ld b':n J~ view of the situation. Wear Shipwrights had no part in the original dispute, inasmuch as they wait upon the RegIstrar-Genera In or er 0 0 compromised by a reduction of Is., and they considered that the demand for a further reduction of Is. 6e1. was uufair, and that notice of the increased NORTH-EAST COAST. . i £66 6 9d had already been spent In con nec- "i demand had not been given in accordance with recognised custom. They The Secretary repor~ed tba~ d I 3.. '. ecessitated by the negotiations were prepared, however, to discuss this matter along with others at; Oarlisle. tion with the joint meetmgs an . e ega~~.ns ~ enditure had been supplied to On the suggestion oE the President of the Board of Trade, formal on the North-Ea.st Ooast. DeUnls °rd IS Th~ Secretary's report respecting notification of acceptance of the terms stated on the ballot paper was Mr. St.eadman and toMr. Md·lJ,c don~ d' but his suggestion that a treasurer forwarded to the employers. expendIture was approved an a op e , .. The meeting terminated with all expression of warm thanks to he appointed was not acted upon. Mr. Ohurchill and the omcials of the Board of Trade for their efforts on behalf of a settlement of the dispute. THE STATUTORY MEETING. . be held on July 29tb, at 4 p.m., ------,,------It was re:!Olved that a ~tatl1torYfllleetl~g. l\y armncred for August 5th. Co-operative Printing Society Limited, Tudor Street, New Bridge Street, London, E.C. in the House of Comillons, mstead 0 as orlgllla 0

'" The General Federation of Trade Unions, 768-770, TEMPLE OHAMBERS, TEMPLE AVENUE, LONDON, E.C.

Glass Workers' ConferenC~t VICTORIA HOTEL, NOTTINGHAM, JANUARY 20th, 1908.

_------O:~Q

In the unavoidable absence of Mr. W. A. Appleton, Mr. James Holmes, representing the Management Oommittee of the General Federation of Trade Unions, presided. The following societies were represented: Flint Glass Cutters (700), National Flint Glass Makers (1,300), National Glass Bottle Makers (800), Press Glass Makers (600), London Glass Blowers (4:50). It was reported that 8,000 Glass Workers were organised in 19 different societies, and that, consequently, great difficulties arose whenever movements l1,ffecting wages or conditions were on foot. Mr. Holmes pointed out that these difficulties would continue and grow while they lacked association and knowledge of each other's position. The representatives generally agreed that this was correct, but feared internal jealousies would continue to affect the interests of all Glass Workers, and that the only way to secure closer unity amongst the varionH societies was by action of the General Federation. After considerable discussion the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to;- "That the General Federation be requested to secure the attendance of the Yorkshire Bottle Makers' Society at a further Oonference of the 19 societies, such Oonference to be held on a Saturday afternoon, and to discuss the possibility of evolving some scheme of Federation for the interested societies." " That a short report of the Oonference be submitted to all the societies concerned." ------~ This Oonference will be held in Nottingham, on Saturday, March 21st, at 3 p.m., and societies wishing to send delegates should communicate with Mr. W. A. Appleton, Secretary of the General Federation of 'rrade Unions. Cb~ 6~n~ral t~d~ratiOn Of Crad~ Unl0nS t 168-170, TEMPLE CHAMBERS, TEMPLE AVENUE, E.C.

GLASS WORKERS' CONFERENCE, VICTORIA HOTEL, NOTTINGHAM, Saturday, May 16th, 1908.

This further conference was held under the auspices of the General Federation of Trade Unions, and had for its object the closer union of the different sections of the Glass Working Industry. Mr: W. A. Applet~n and Mr. James Eolmes represented the General FederatlOn of Trade Ulllons, and there were also present from the Lancashire Glass Bottle Makers, Mr. Hunter, district secretary; Mr. Oole. president ~ and Mr. F. Andera. Decorative Glass Workers, Mr. R. Gunn, president, and Mr. H. Scragg. secretary. National Glass Bottle Makers, Oouncillor W. Milnes and Mr. F. Swann, financial secretary. Glass Bevellers, Mr. R. Wacey. London Glass Blowers, Mr. J. Stokes, president, and Mr. J. Burrows, trustee. National Flint Glass Workers, Mr. J. H. Walker, secretary. Manchester district, Mr. J. Bell, president of the E.O., and Mr. John Busselbee, general secretary. On the motion of Mr. J. Stokes, seconded by Mr. R. Wacey, the delegates formally agreed to form a federation, and resolved themselves into committee for the purpose of formulating rules. It was agreed the following be submitted to the various societies. NAME. That the Fecleration be termed the National Federation of Glass Workers and Kindred Trade Unions, and that it {lonsist of all properly constituted Trade Unions connected with the industry. OBJECTS. To combine for trade purposes aud to secure unity of action amongst the various unions forming the Federation. To resist encroachments upon the rights, the privileges and the activities of the unions affiliated. DISPUTES. To prevent as far as possible the occurrence of strikes and loek-outs; to deal with disputes arising between societies affiliated to the Federation; and to encourage the settlement of strikes, lock-outs, or disputes by amicable means. Where amicable means fail to secure the flettlement of strikes and lock-outs the federated unions shall consider the wisdom of joint offensive- action. FUNDS. To estit.blish a central fund for the purpose of carrying out the foregoing objects, such fund to be raised by each society contributing 3d. per member per quarter on 90 per cent. of its membership; superannuated and honorary members excepted. It was resolved that Mr. Appleton get these rules printed und fOl'wal'(l copies to each society. It was further resolved that the conference ~ssemble at Manchester in eight weeks time to elect the officers of the FederatIOn. . Votes of thanks were accorded to the General Federation of Trade Unions,st and to Messrs. Appletoll and Eolmes for their effort~ to S'Jcure unity.among the Glass Workers and for the tact and patience whIch had charactmsed each step towards the ~~tablishment of the new federation. General Federation of Trades and Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades.

3'2, STREET LANE,

ROUNDHAY, LEEDS, 13th July, 1907.

To the Workmen employed in the Engineering Trade in Kilmarnock.

FELLOW WORKMEN, WEEKLY PAYS. As you are aware, a joint committee representing the above Federation has for some time been in communication with those Kilmarnock employers who paid wages fortnightly, with a view to their adoption of the weekly system of payment, and at a meeting of delegates representing the local Trade Unions, together with representatives of the joint committee, held in the Ossington Cafe on the 12th inst., communications were read from ME:ssrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., and Messrs. Andrew Barclay, Sons & Co., agreeing to give the weekly pays a six· months' trial, dating from the first pay in October. Both firms asked the societies affected to assist them in continuing the new system permanently by reducing the amount of broken time, nof only at week-ends, but immediately after every holiday.

The whole of the delegates expressed their gratification at the ready and generous response of the employers to our request for weekly pays, and considered that the request of these employers for the co-operation of the societies concerned to be eminently reasonable. It was decided to thank the above firms for this concession, and to bring the greatest moral General Federation of Trade Unions. ---*---- OHIEF OFFIOE-

168~170, TEMPLE CHAMBERS, TEMPLE A VENUE, LONDON, E.C. pre~sure possible to bear upon the Kilmarnock workmen to give theIr employers no justification for reverting to a system which ---*--- is at once obsolete and iniquitous. The joint committee wish to point out that weekly pays were obtained on the Clyde only Dear Sir, af~er years of incessant and anxious agitation. They trust th;t tIllS concession will not be undervalued in Kilmarnock because It has generally been the practice to it has been so speedily and cheaply obtained, but that every wo~km~n concer~ed will consider it an imperative and personal pay all Federation Accounts monthly, as near oblIgation to aSsIst the joint committee and the employers to make the weekly pays system in Kilmarnock permanent b as possible on the same day each month. As, . . Y g1VI~g no ca~se fo: complaint on account of bad timekeeping, however, this does not appear to be generally at either holIday t11ne, week-end, or in fact at any other time. known, the Management Committee at last meeting, The perman:ncy of the weekly pays rests entirely in your ~ands, ~nd we WIll be much mistaken and greatly disappointed September 1st, decided:- If you gIve your employers any justification for reverting to the fortnightly system. That chequas in payment of monthly accounts Yours faithfully, be sent out from the Federation office on the Fol' the GClleral Fedemtioll; second Thursday in each month, and that monthly PETE CURRAN, M.P., Gasworkers, &c. benefit claims must reach the Secretary not later DA VID GARDNER, A.S.E. than the first Saturday in each month to ensure J. N. BELL, Labourers. payment on the following Thursday. I F~" theEl/ginelring alld SMpbuilding Federation: J. M. JACK, lronmoulders. Secretaries will therefore note that, except D. C. CUMMINGS, Boilermakers. under special circumstances, Monthly Accounts JOHN INGLIS, Blacksmiths. which reach here after the first Saturday in ISAAC MITCHELL, 1 J'om t VI/ M. MOSSES, f Secretaries. the month will lie over for payment until the following month.

Yours fraternally,

I. H. MITCHELL. THE ... General Federation of Trade Unions.

Chief Office: 168·170, TEJ\lPLE CHAiUBERS, TEMPLE AVENUE, LONDON, E.C.

APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY.

In accordance with the decision of the General Council Meeting at York on July 5th, 1907, we beg to notify you that, in view of his appointment as ;Labour Correspondent at the Board of Trade, Mr. Isaac H. Mitchell has resigned his position as Secretaryof the Federation. As Mr. Mitchell was the only nominee for the Secretaryship, the General Council Meeting had to consider what special course should be taken to meet the circumstances. The following decisions were agreed upon :- Societies affiliated to the Federation shall be notified of the vacancy for Secretaryship by special circular; such circular to be issued not later than July 15th, 190 7. . Societies shall be req uested to forward nominations for the post not later than September 1st, 1907· Ballot Papers shall be issueq containing the names of the candidates and the Societies to which they belong not later than September 7th, 1907· All Voting Papers must be returned to the Offices of the Federation on or before November 1st, 1907. Each Society shall be entitled to vote on membership as per Rule 2, Clause 5: "Each Society shall have one vote for every member paid for." In accordance with these decisions you are requested to forward any nominatior:!: you desire to make not later than September 1st, 190 7. , JSAAC H. MITCHELL, ; , Secretary. Jltly loth, 1907· ---~ «

GENERAL FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS.

APPOINTMENT OF' SECRETARY.

~'NOMINATION PAPER. ~

Name ____ --..:-~--~~~~------

Address__ ~ ______

Society to which Nominee belongs

Age last Birthday ______

Nominated by , General Secretary, on behalf of .

Society.

To be returned to 168, Temple Chambers, Temple Avenue, London) E.C., not later than September 1st. 1907. .~' ,

:wr. GENERAL FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS.

I" 1, '. r~"" : 'I .. , '''''.

1~·.

·Ia,,·.·· ,]J''''' OF .1" ~ , I ~t"'l"'"I" (, "v 'i ,,,..... ~. " ~ ,

~ .. ,," L " .,' .,,~

"'"

,', ,. ~,., .',

... ~:

! ~ 1 :"::

"'"'l'o

:.; I ••~

.' :.:,

:: :; J

'. ~. i,; 168, TE:IIPLE CHA:lIBEHS,

~rEMPLE AVENUE, E.C. Pl~LI"OW lYIEAfBEHs, GENERAL FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS. We, the undersigned Tellers to the General Council, duly attendeel the Pederation offiees on October 31st ltnll N ovem bel' 1st, in consonance \Vi th our office to count the votes in connection with the election of General Secretary. ELECTION OF SECRETARY. There were issued to the affiIiatecl unions 1'21 voting papers, of which 97 were retnrnecl. rrhe number of votes Dear Sir, cast were 562,090, and were given to the respective mmcliclates in the following manner:-

I beg to forward a copy of the Scrutineers' Oandidates. Votes. Ml'. Willi~m A. Apple~on 3~1,~02 Report on the election of Se.cretary. May I at William T. Bartlett 1,~~3 " J enkin J ones 3,080 the same time e~press my sense of the honour con- " William M. Lawson 16,~59 " J. J. Stephenson 199,706 ferred upon me, and assure you of my earnest " desire to press forward the interests of the Majol'ity over all other candidates for Ml'. Appleton 120,71~ General Federation of Trade Unions. '1\7 e l:1,re pI.easeel to add that we found all ballot papers m a most satisfactory order. Yours faithfully, We [Lre, W. A. APPLETON. Yours in unity:

J. T. BROWNLIE,

W1>11. MULLIN, } Scrulineers.

JAMES WIGNALL,