LABOUR TROUBLES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 154, 24 March 1908, Page 7

LABOUR TROUBLES.

WHARVES DISPUTE. TERMS REFUSED—OUTLOOK BAD. FREE EMPLOYMENT. . EMPLOYERS' FEDERATION SUPPORT THE COMPANIES. DV TELEGRAPH —PIIESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. (Rec. March 23, 11.10 p.m.) Sydney, March 23. Tlio conferenco of tlio Coastal Steamship Companies and the TVharf Labourers' Union, resumed this afternoon. Tho representatives of tho shipping companies presented the final'terms under which they wero prepared to settle the strike. These were subsequently considered, andwero refused by tho representatives of tho men. - Tho. conference adjourned ' till to-morrow. .Mr. Hughes states that the position is critical, but not hopeless. , The Employers' Federation at a meeting discussed tho courso of action which merchants and traders should take in connection with the strike, v and resolved that tho time had arrived to assert the right of an employer to utilise non-union labour, especially at a time whon Uniouists refuso to work at the wages prescribed, in the Arbitration Court's award., . .. Tho Federation further dccided to givo its full support to tho coastal companies in maintaining this principle, and also expressed admiration at the courage, patience, and consideration of tlio public interest ex-, hibited by the representatives of tho coastal companies in coiincction with the present dispute. PAINTERS' STRIKE. i THREE HUNDRED MEN LEAVE WORK. (Rec. March 24, 1.9 a.m.). ' Sydney, .March 23. Painters employed by many largo city firms have struck for an increase in wages of one penny per hour. Tlireo hundred aro idle. A number of Government contracts aro involved. < COAL DISPUTE. : .MINERS' COMMITTEE ACTIVE. ' THE SPECIAL COURT MAY CONTINUE. . . Sydney, March 23. ' The Newcastle Miners' Committee of Management ;has passed drastic resolutions to enforce discipline within tho ranks of the Miners' Federation. As a result, it is expected that the committee will now'be ablo to fix the guaranteo asked for by tho President'of the Special Coal Court, namely, that a further cessation of work shall; not occur during the sittings of the Court. s The Pelaw Main strikers have resumed tfork unconditionally.