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Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 57, 17 December 1945, Page 4

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VOTE BY MINERS RESUMPTION OF WORK ; (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec; 2.0 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day.

The small vote on the coalfields is interpreted as an indication that a few of the miners doubted that the recommendation for the resumption of work would be seriously opposed, and because of absenteeism, the decision to resume was carried by the narrow margin of 53 votes. There, are about 19,000 mine workers in New South Wales, of whom. 13,000 are eligible to vote. At nearly all the meetings yesterday the Communists were assailed by members of the Miners’ Federation for their attempts to blame Mr Chifley, members of the Labour Party and other trade unionists for the collapse of the strike.

Arrangements for the re-opening of the mines were completed yesterday, and it is expected that all collieries will be operating to-day.

Coal standing in trucks at a number of mines was brought to Newcastle during the week-end by engine drivers who had resumed work ill/ anticipation of the decision for a general resume tion. The miners’ decision does not end the three-union strike, as the seamen will decide to-day whether they wili resume work.

The position of the third group involved—the Ironworkers’ Union at Newcastle and Port Kembla —is not yet clear. It has notified its intention to apply for re-registration, but the Industrial Commission cannot legally hear the case for a fortnight. Opinion, in trade union quarters is that the ironworkers at Newcastle and Pork Kembla might remain on strike until their case comes before the Commission. It is thought that the Commission, following precedent, would then direct them to resume work before hearing their application for reregistration. Threat To Renew Strikes The Industrial Commission on Wednesday will hear the appeal by D. Parker, who was dismissed by the Australian Iron and Steel Company at Port Kembla because he refused to do certain work. It wasi this dismissal that started the strike. . , A threat to renew the strikes in the New Year was implied in a unanimous decision of the Port Kembla steelworkers yesterday not to return to work until Australian Iron and Steel reinstated Parker. This attitude is opposed to the decision of the Allstralian Council of the Trade Union Executive to engage counsel- to appeal against the judgment of Mr Justice Cantor in upholding Parkers dismissal.

The executives of all unions concerned in the steel, coal and seamen’s strikes will review the position on January 5, two l days before the mineis resume work after their Christmas holidays. . „ TT The president of the A.C.T.U., Mi Clarey, said two points remained to be adjusted before the dispute between the Broken Hill Piopiietaiy and the Ironworkers’ Association was •settled. These were recognition by the Broken Hill Proprietary of the union and the question of annual leave and continuity of employment. As the miners will work only five days before starting their* 16-day Christmas break, only minor reductions of the present electricity, gas and transport cuts are likely before January 7 —the end of the miners holiday. On the present scale of rationing in Sydney, electric power undertakings ha\*e sufficient stocks of coal to last until early in January. Sydney stocks: of gas coal are alarmingly low.