ERRATUM
In Company Notes in our issue of July 27, it was stated that the Watford development of Stewart and Ardern Ltd. was going ahead. In fact the Watford development has been abandoned and it is the Southend development which is going ahead. The Company's name was inadvertently . spelt wrongly as Stewart and Arden. Any inconvenience caused is regretted.
Similar negotiations with the Northern Rhodesia African Mineworkers' Trade Union unfortunately broke down, and after conciliation failed, the Northern Rhodesia Government appointed a Com- mission, under the chairmanship of Sir Ronald Morison, Q.C.. to inquire into the causes and cir- cumstances of the dispute. to examine the terms and conditions of employment applicable to Africans on the copper mines, and having regard to the in- terests of all persons employed in the industry and to the well-being of the peoples in Northern Rho- desia, to make recommendations.
On May 2, 1562, twelve days before the Com- mission began its investigations, the African Union came out on a strike which lasted for three weeks. The Commission completed its investigation on May 24, 1962.
MORISON COMMISSION'S REPORT The Commission stated in its report that it was generally impressed with the conditions of employ- ment in the industry and paid tribute to the com- panies not only for their record as employers of labour but especially for the great efforts they have made and the remarkable progress they have achieved in the cause of African advancement. It recommended that a system of joint consultation should be instituted on the mineS and that the nego- tiating procedure with the African Union should be revised.
On the subject of wages the Commission, while taking note of the companies' submission that Africans in the copper mining industry of Northern Rhodesia are amongst the highest paid workers in this field in Africa, nevertheless recommended that an increase in basic wages was both practicable and desirable. The Commission also made recommenda- tions in relation to leave and to shift differentials.
In accordance with the Commission's recommen- dations the companies invited the African Union to resume negotiations and several meetings were held in the course of which the Companies offered to increase basic wages by 12-1- per cent. In addition. the Union was offered a shift differential equivalent to 15 per cent of basic pay and two days extra leave. The companies also agreed to implement the Commission's recommendations in respect of joint consultation and the establishment of a Mining Joint Industrial Council for the discussion of matters affecting the Union and its members.
The Union rejected the offer of 121 per cent and demanded instead a flat increase of 4s. 6d. per shift. It refused to discuss the companies' other offers Until agreement was reached on basic wages. Negotiations broke down and a strike at all mines was called by the Union to start on 10th July, 1962, but was cancelled at the last moment on the Union's instruc- tions. The cancellation order was however not obeyed by African ticket-paid employees at the Roan Antelope mine who -went on strike for a short period. I very much hope that the current deadlock 14 ill be shortlised.
Copies of the Annual .RePort and Accounts are obtainable from the London Office of the company.
40 Holborn Viaduct. . .
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