Miners and Absenteeism
The executive committee of the Mineworkers' Federation have rejected the agreement reached between the two sections of the industry represented on the Joint Standing Consultative Committee. The agreement provided for an addition of one shilling a shift to the wages of miners on condition that they had worked a full week. It is admitted that the increase was in effect a bonus on attendance, and it was deliberately shaped In this way to provide against absenteeism and to ensure a greater output of coal at a time when there is a shortage of labour and the danger of insufficient stocks to meet the needs of the coming winter. It is most regrettable that a decision amicably reached by the Joint Committee should be thrown over by the men's executive ; but, as the Secretary for Mines has pointed out, the agreement was not finally completed, though this view is not shared by the colliery-owners. There is weight in some of the objections to the proposal raised on the men's side ; it is pointed out that there may be many circumstances justifying a man's absence, and that in such cases he ought not to forfeit the increased pay. It is essential that there should be no quarrel over this question, and for this reason it is to be hoped that the owners will resume the nego- tiations with a good grace, and that the men on their side will adhere to the principle of rewarding good attendance. The need for a maximum output is imperative.
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