24 JANUARY 1931, Page 2

The strike in the South Wales coalfield was settled on

the night of Thursday, January 15th. . The terms had to be ratified by a Delegate Ccinference_ of the South Wales Miners' Federation on Saturday evening. Work was resumed on Monday. The owners successfully established their principle that the whole question of wages—not simply an adjustment resulting from the reduction of hours—must be laid before the Conciliation Board and in default of a settlement should be. referred to an - ifidePendent chairman. The agreement is to last for three years, and afterwards to be terminable at a month's notice. Every year, however, the minimum percentaae and the subsistence wage will be reviewed. The period allowed to the Conciliation Board for reaching a decision about wages is to be six weeks instead of the three first suggested by the owners. In the meantime the reduced hours required by the Act will be worked without any reduction of wages.

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