Strike-Control Legislation

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31231, 1 December 1966, Page 17

Strike-Control Legislation

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

CANBERRA, November 30.

Special legislation to control strikes by Qantas and other commercial airline pilots is considered certain.

The Federal Government could not introduce the legislation until early next year, however.

Meantime, the Federal authorities are examining the legal resources on hand to end the present crippling Qantas pilots’ strike.

Possible action includes; Application of the Crimes Act declaring a state of emergency against the striking pilots. Punitive provisions of the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act to be applied.

The Crimes Act enables the Government to imprison pilots where an industrial dispute threatens trade and com-

merce with another country. However, apart from nor-

mal commercial operations, Qantas provides a vital defence link with Australia’s military commitment in Vietnam.

It has considerable numbers of its planes carrying Australia’s fighting men to and from the war area. The Government has to be certain that this link is always available in the event of an emergency where large forces have to be rushed to Vietnam or other forward bases.

A Federal authority said today that the Government will not be "blackmailed” into submission by the Australian Federation of Air Pilots.