Boot Trade Dispute August 3, 1895.

*THE WORKER*

BRISBANE, AUGUST 3, 1895.

Boot Trade Dispute.

Struggle still continues.

Employers still refuse conference.

Men standing solid as a rock.

Employers can't fulfil one-tenth of the orders for boots. Shopkeepers think of importing. The Courier in its issue of July 24^th published an able article, “Why prolong the strike misery? “calling the attention of the public to the number of men out for so many weeks, and urging both parties to come together and in a reasonable manner try to bring the dispute to an end. This is good advice, and coming from such a quarter ought to carry some weight.

The Conciliation Board (Rev. W. Whale, President) are endeavouring to settle the dispute, and asked the union to allow the whole dispute to be settled by arbitration. At a crowded meeting of the men on strike the lines suggested for settlement were discussed and unanimously agreed upon. This is evidence of the sincerity of the men in asking for a settlement. Relying upon the justice of their claims they are prepared to allow independent men to hear both sides, judge between both parties, and are willing to loyally abide by the arbitrators' decision.

The bootmakers locked out of Thompson's factory in Melbourne have started a co-operative business.

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The Co-operative Factory.

The co-operative movement among the bootmakers on strike has advanced beyond the stage of mere discussion. It is an accomplished fact. A shop – 16 QUEEN-STREET, near the Telegraph newspaper company , has been taken and willing hands are hard at work making preparations for the opening. The name of the society is handsomely painted on the window thus: “Queensland Boot Trade Union Co-operative Society,” and the registered trade mark, two clasped hands, illustrative of the spirit of united friendship, which will govern all their actions.

The shop was quite the centre of attraction on Saturday night. It was gratifying to the members of the Board of Management present to hear the sympathetic remarks on the new venture and the promises of support from all who passed. Working men with their wives told of having waited until near barefooted for shop the union bootmakers were to open, and expressed their intention of bringing the “kids” along.

The society, in appealing to the public for support, are issuing guarantee notes from the value of 5d. to £5, the value to be received in goods at 3, 6, 9, or 12 months from date of issue. All unionists and friends willing to assist in the above movement will be able to obtain all information by applying to C. Holloway, secretary, Trades Hall, Brisbane.