THE SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16415, 8 January 1919, Page 7

THE SHIPPING TROUBLE.

REPLY TO UNION COMPANY. DEMAND FOR CONCESSIONS. (By Cable. —Press As M ci*Uon.-^ p r^ ht - > (Received January 7th, 8.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, January /• In his totter to jie ®®?™ Cn^ ml)an y, «»-vst; Trt'on * aSve at a settlement under the terms A conditions of the award. He asks for the Union's assistance in carr s" m S £ tho award, and points out tT ia t as v e w Zealand ports are now clear., «nd '' Xcr steamers bosides the Union Com--oihe T, affected he cannot think that it is altogether inflv-onza that is causing the trouble. C The secretary of the Union m rep*, admits that inconvenience has bee caused to a largo number of the travelling public, but thinks the Union Company should concede something outside the ordinary rate of pay, seeing the risk thty might have to take. Ho rerers to the alleged inconsiderate treatment of the crews of certain vessels, and says that "a little consideration shown to these men might have assisted our endeavours to get men for your ships. Dealing with the question of claims for compensation lor loss of personal effects in cases where vessels have been torpedoed in tho war zone, and bonus and war badge matters, in which over hundred men aro affectod, the secretary says: "As a result of the way the men have been treated, they will not tako any more risk of promises, and I can't force them to tako ships away." . . The letter concludes: "I think it up to your company to make an offer over and above the ordinary rato of pay. Up to the present you have done nothing, and if you seriously intend to have your ships running, you must show that you will concede something worthy of consideration." CONFERENCE PROPOSED. A further letter from the manager of the Union Company to the secretary of the Seamen's Union, describes the latletter as vague as to what the men actually are asking for, but points out that tho company has already conceded additional pay in accordance with tho latest award made three weeks ago. Tho manager says that no official demand has been made in regard to insurance, but he has no doubt that this obstacle can easily be overcome. He J reasserts that New ; Zealand ports are | now clean, and traverses the statements regarding the alleged inconsiderate treatment of certain crews, and concludes:—r "The company can see no reason why it ehbtild comply with tho suggestion to moke an offer above tha ordinary wages. It thinks the offer already made is a fair one, but if yon think any good purpose call be served, I will " be pleased to meet you in conference to discuss the position. However, as we are complying with the award, it is due -A to you to say definitely in what way it should be. exceeded." SEAMEN'S TERMS. (By —Press Association.—* Copyright.) SYDNEY, January 7. A meeting of the Seamen's Union decided to take away ships calling at infected Areas if granted a 50 per cent, increase in pay, an insurance of £500 against death by influenza, and a gttiifantee that, in the ovent of a member contracting the disease, his wages should he continued until recovery. The claims have been forwarded to the companies.