THE SHIPPING HOLDUP IN SYDNEY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 88, 8 January 1919, Page 5

THE SHIPPING HOLDUP IN SYDNEY

UNION COMPANY AND THE UNION SOME CORRESPONDENCE By Telegraph—Press Association— Oopyrigut (Re'o. January 7, 9.15 p.m.) . Sydney, January 7, In his letter to the Seamen's Union the manager of the Union Company, after dealing with tho men's demands, says that the company is anxious that no efforts, on its part should he epa,red to arrivo at a settlement under the terms and conditions of the artard. He asks the union's assistance in carrying out the award, and points out that as (lie New Zealand ports are now clean, and other steamers besides the company's are affected, he-cannot think that it in altogether influenza that is causing the trouble. „ .■• ' The Union in Reply. The secretary of the union, replying, admits that ..'inconvenience has been caused to a large number of the travelling public, but thinks that tho company should concede something outside the ordinary rate of pay, seeing the risk they might have to take. He refers to alleged inconsiderate treatment of the crews of certain vessels, adding that "a little consideration shown these men might have assisted our' endeavours to ■get men for youv ships." Dealing with the question of claims for compensation , for .loss of personal effects, where vessels were torpedoed in the war zone, the bonus, and the war badge, matters in which over two hundred men are affected, the secretary says: "As the result of the way the men have been treated they will not take any more risjc of promises, and I can't force them to take the ships away." The letter concludes: "I think it is up to your company to make an offer over and above the ordinary rate 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." Tho Manager's Rejoinder. A further letter from the manager of the Union Company to the sicreiary of the union describes the letter's letter ae. vapue as to what the men i.ro actually asking for, but points out t!:at tho company already has conceded additional pay in accordance with the latest award mude three weeks jgo. the manager, says that no official demand has been made ins regard to insurances, but that he has iio doubt this obstacle could be ■easily'overcome. He reasserts that the New Zealand ports are now clean, traverses the statements regarding the al-. leged inconsiderate treatment of certain, crews, and concludes: ■ "The. company can see no reason why it should con-ply with the -suggestion to make an offer above the' ordinary wiigs. > It thinks that the offer already made is a. fair one, -but if you think any good purpose can 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 to you to say definitely in v/hat way it should- be exceeded."—Press Assn.