MEN DISMISSED.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18682, 4 May 1926, Page 9

MEN DISMISSED.

FORTY-FOUR HOURS DISPUTE. SITUATION OBSCURE. IRON WORKS CLOSE IN SYDNEY. (Stdxst "Sex" Sebvicx.) (Received May 3rd, 9 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 3. As was anticipated, the strike in the iron trades over the fortyfour hours trouble, was fairly launched this morning when the men who, on Saturday, had absented themselves from work, arrived and reported for duty. In accordance with the notices previously posted at the various workshops, by the employers, they were dismissed. The men reported for duty upon instructions from thoir Unions, and were expecting the answer they received. They accepted the position quietly, and in most cases were, paid off. In some instances, mutual regret was expressed over the position which had arisen, both sides explaining that they were obeying decisions reached by their controlling organisations. The situation is not yet clear. According to statements made by the officials of the unions involved, a considerable number of the firms in the metropolitan area did not carry out their decision to dismiss the mon.

EMPLOYERS RETICENT. CLAIMS OF BOTH SIDES. (attstbaliAn and k.z. cabus ASSOCIATION.) (Received May 3rd, 11.35 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 3. ' The employers are reticent regarding the forty-four-hour trouble. A statement issued this afternoon on behalf of the Metal Traders' Employers' Association says that all that the employers have to say at present is that they have registered their protest against the action of the unionists in refusing to observe the awards. It is hoped that th« unions will see the folly of their actions, and listen to reason. The officials of the affected unions have been in continuous session throughout the day, receiving reports and considering the position, amongst other things.

An official announcement was made yesterday that all claims for the fortyfour hours lodged in the Federal Arbitration Court by Wednesday will be dealt with next week. The question of lodging such applications and other matters will be dealt with as the situation develops. The unions claim that they have been locked out. According to their reports, 26 city and suburban firms only to-day dismissed employees. They claim that a number of others defied the Metal Traders' Association's ukase, and conceded the men's claims. On the other hand it is stated, on bC; half of the employers, that in some shops the men defied the unions, and continued work. So far, there has been no suggestion of a conference from either side.

APPLICATION FOR AWARD VARIATIONS. (AtSTSALIAN AITO W.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATIOH.) (Eeceived May 4th, 1.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 3. It is impossible to give anything like a definite estimate of the number af fected by. the ironworkers' strike. Ac cording to the Trades Hall estimate 3000 men have been discharged, and from 20,000 to 25,000 others will bo directly or indirectly affected. Most of the unions have already taken steps to apply to the Federal Arbitration Court for variations of the award to secure a forty-four hour week. The Minister for Labour is keeping in close touch with the principals of both the forty-four hours' and the engineers' disputes. With regard to the latter, proposals are under consideration which may avert a cessation of work onFriday.