STRIKERS GIVEN MORE TIME

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21648, 5 December 1935, Page 11

STRIKERS GIVEN MORE TIME

Labour Leaders See Mr Lyons MEETINGS TO-DAY ■ AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING HOLD-UP (UHITF.D I'UBSS ASSOCIATION —COPIRIGHT.) (Received December 4, 11.59 p.m.) SYDNEY, December 4. Because of representations by the leader of the Federal Labour party (Mr J. Curtin) and the leader of the New Sou.th Wales Labour party (Mr J. A. Beasley), the Prime Minister to-day agreed to postpone until after the meetings of seamen to-morrow his threatened action to apply the Transport "Workers Act to the strikers.

Mr Lyons emphasised that the Government was anxious to secure the early settlement of the strike, and was reluctant to prejudice any attempts now in progress to end it. However, it was determined that the strike should not be allowed to continue beyond the present week. Earlier in the day, he said that should it prove necessary to apply the Transport Workers Act, its application would not be temporary, but permanent, and the seamen who rerused to resume work would find themselves excluded from future employment in the Australian shipping industry. Mr Lyons added that the Government would not hesitate to grant permits to overseas ships to engage both in the inter-state passenger and cargo services, should the remanning of the inter-state steamers prove impracticable. Arrangements have already been made by the James Patrick Company to man their ships with volunteer labour. The strike has extended to Brisbane, where three vessels are tied up. South Australia has also been drawn into the dispute, a message from Adelaide stating that it is expected that practically all steamship services will be suspended by the end of the week. i Other Unions Join The marine cooks, bakers, and butchers decided to-day to stand by the seamen. Shipowners generally welcome the prompt action of the Federal Government and express the opinion that the introduction of the licensing system would make for the smooth working of the industy. If the seamen became licensed, they could be properly controlled, and strikes, threats of violence, and intimidation reduced to a minimum. The departure of the Niagara has been postponed from 4 p.m. to-mor-row until noon on Friday. If is understood that officials were unable to procure all the waterside labour required for unloading, and wet weather accentuated the difficulties. It is expected that the same crew of volunteers will sail- with the Niagara'«n the outward trip. In Melbourne the Australasiah Steamship Owners' Federation refused the request of the Seamen's Union for a conference to discuss the hold-up. The shipowners take the view that they have no dispute with the men, whose quarrel is with the Arbitration Court. The emergency committee of the Council of Trades Unions convened a meeting for to-morrow to discuss the Government's ultimatum and other developments. Special meetings 'of seamen will be held throughout Australia on Friday morning to discuss the Prime Minister's ultimatum. Motions will be submitted, recommending the men to return to work, and that application be made to the Arbitration Court for variation of the n:w award. Many of the men dread the possibility of being brought under the Transport Workers Act, which has disciplined the waterside workers in all ports, excepting Sydney, to which the act does not so far apply. The waterside workers have decided to work the Niagara. The Patrick line steamer Cardross, sailed to-night with a volunteer crew. _____