SUSPENSION OF AWARD

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 184, 7 May 1928, Page 9

SUSPENSION OF AWARD

DUE TO COOKS’ UNION’S DIRECT ACTION

WHEN COURT READY TO DEAL WITH GRIEVANCES

NON-UNION MEN MAY BE EMPLOYED

Chief Judge Dethrklgc, of (he Federal Arbitration Court, made it clear that he suspended the marine cooks’ award because the direct action of the union was unreasonable, as it had the opportunity to have its grievances dealt with by the Court.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

Melbourne, May 5.

In the Federal Arbitration Court Chief Judge Dethridge made it clear that he was suspending the marine cooks’ award only because the direct action of the union was unreasonable, inasmuch as it had the opportunity to have its grievances dealt with by the Court, which had formed no opinion on the merits or demerits of the case. Whether the benefits of the award would be restored to the cooks was a matter largely dependent upon themselves. The cancellation of the award means that the owners may employ non-union cooks upon the owners’ terms, which will apply to all vessels on the coast. The cooks already employed will be required, when their articles expire, to agree. They are certain to refues. The union will thereupon order all cooks to strike. A statement to this effect was made by the union secretary, who declared that extreme action was inevitable, resulting in a general hoNl-up of interstate vessels. The shipowners declare that the owners will be compelled to repudiate the Marine Cooks’ Union henceforward. Otherwise demands similar to those made upon the Huddart-Par-ker Cojnpany will be made upon all inter-State companies. Mr. W. Appleton, of the HuddartParker Company, states that a meeting of the Commonwealth Steamship Owners’ Association will be held on Tuesday to determine the future policy. Foreign gold is without doubt fomenting this upheaval,” added Mr. Appleton, who estimates the loss to the cooks to date at £70,000.

SHIPOWNERS TO MEET IN

MELBOURNE (Rec. May C, 5.5 p.m.)' Sydney, May 6. The position arising as a result of the suspension of the marine cooks’ award remains obscure. It is believed ' the owners have prepared plans, but maintain stride secrecy. Their interests are being directed from Melbourne. Unionists believe an attempt will be made to man the Ulimaroa, which should normally leave for Auckland next week, with volunteer cooks. The latter have held no meeting so far, apparently awaiting developments. The feeling is said to be pessimistic. All inter-State shipowners will meet in Melbourne on Tuesday to decide on steps to maintain regular coastal services. The Huddart-Parker Com-’ pany losses are already estimated at 7£0,000, and if a settlement is reached to-morrow the company has no redress.