The great strike at the Crenzot ironworks has been terminated
by arbitration, the arbitrator being the Premier himself, M. Waldeck-Roneseau, who, we fancy, intervened to prevent the workmen from carrying out their project of marching to Paris, which might have ended in serious dis- orders. The decision is on the whole in favour of the workers. Their employers are directed to carry out at once certain promises as to wages made in June last, and are informed that they cannot as against such promises plead the unprofitable- ness of certain contracts. A complaint of the men that they are watched outside their workshops is also favourably enter- tained, and they are protected from dismissal on account of basing joined in the strike. On the other hand, M. Waldeck- Rousseau ref uses to compel the employer to recognise the Union or to settle disputes through its agency. It may be wise, he says, to do so, but the practice cannot be made obligatory. The decision seems just enough, but its real importance is derived from the fact that the Premier thinks it expedient to act as arbitrator. The Trades-Unions are obviously becoming a power within the Republic, perhaps a menacing one.
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