The dockers' dispute did not take the favourable turn on
Monday which had been hoped for. At a Con- ference between the employers and the Unions a half-way offer by the employers was rejected. The same night, however, the Ministry of Labour issued an announcement that it was making arrangements to meet the parties to the dispute on Tuesday. The offer of the employers, which was rejected on Monday, was an increase of is. a day to all workers, instead of the 2s. demanded ; an increase of is. a day to piece-workers instead of a per- centage increase, and the appointment of a Committee to inquire into methods of decasualization and main- tenance. The point we dislike, as a matter of principle, in the employers' offer is the proposal to substitute a flat rate for a percentage in piece-work. It has nearly always proved to be unwise to make a man feel that his personal efforts cannot affect the amount he earns.
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