CO129-499-2 Canton situation- governor's despatches 15-1-1927 - 4-2-1927 — Page 116

120

masters whenever they close their factories or suspend

their business cause their workmen to run the risk of

losing their employment and livelihood. The Government therefore makes this regulation in order to ensure to workmen a secure prospect of earning their livelihood. (3) Any merchant who dismisses a workman unreasonably, shall

pay him two months wages.

(4)

(xplanation) Naturally any master has the right to

dismiss any workman who has really neglected the rules of his factory or shop. But any workman who is dismissed without good reason must be in a position to claim reasonable compensation, and therefore the above regula-

tion is made.

When any strike on the part of any workmen with a view to increase of wages, is settled, wages for the period

of the strike shall be paid according to the new rate of wages, but the labour unions shall not under pretext of

loss suffered, claim any further compensation, or demand

any fine.

(xplanation) workmen go on strike when the masters

refuse their demand for an increase of wages, and there-

fore the wages for the period of the strike should be paid according to the new rates, that is only fair. But

workmen often make unreasonable demands for compensation

and impose fines on the masters. This not only rouses the

opposition among the masters, but may also lead to mal-

practices on the part of officers of the unions. There-

fore in order to protect the reasonable privileges of the

workmen and merchants, the Government should make the

above regulation.

(5) No merchant shall maliciously form any rival labour union

to the prejudice of the organisation and unity of the

already existing Labour Union for that industry.

(Explanation)