A SURPRISE STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 272, 16 November 1910, Page 5

A SURPRISE STRIKE.

SYDNEY COAL-UJMPERS. NO OVERTIME OR EABLY WORK. (By Cable,~Press Association.—Copyright.) SYDISTET, November 15. The coal-lumpers sprung a sudden surprise to-night, the whole of the men engaged round Port Jackson Tefusing to work overtime, or before six o'clock in the morning. The action was taken without the knowledge that the officials of the union were to sign a three years' agreement, providing for increased rates for overtime, regarding which negotiations have been proceeding for some time. Several colliers were unable to discbarge." It is hoped the stoppage will only be a short one. Possibly a settlement will be reached to-morrow. '■' SHAKING UP " THE OFFICIALS. PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS. (Received 9.40 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The employers seem ignorant of the real reason for the coal-lumpers' strike. Several conferences were held recently, and it was verbally decided to pay 1/9 for work between six p.m. and six a.m. This constitutes an increase of l*d per hour. The agreement was to be signed to-day. The lumpers were unaware of this, and it is supposed that their action was due to a desire to give a strong hint that the negotiations were too protracted. The union officials profess surprise at the action, stating that the strike was organised outside the union. Normal conditions are expected to-day.