On Thursday the result of the men's ballot on the
dispute in the London building trade was announced. The proposals for a settlement were rejected by 21,017 votes to 5,705. The dispute began last January owing to the series of "lightning strikes" caused by the employment of non-Union labour. As a large majority of the men refused to sign an undertaking, drawn up by the Master Builders Association, to work peace- fully with non-Unionists under threat of a money penalty, a lock-out was declared on January 17th. Another vain attempt to reach a settlement was made by the Conciliation Board, and the employers then decided to try to bring about a general lock-out if a settlement were not arrived at within a stated period. Meanwhile still more negotiations took place, and the employers agreed to waive the money .
penalty, but refused to recognize the Building Industries Federation. The men were advised by their leaders to accept the latest compromise, but their ballot proves that they are determined to hold out. The employers will now proceed to consider the question of a general lock-out, which would involve some 600,000 men.
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