RIVAL UNIONS’ FEUD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 266, 6 August 1929, Page 9

RIVAL UNIONS’ FEUD

THREAT OF SEAMEN’S STRIKE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS CHALLENGE WILL MAINTAIN SERVICES The Federal Government propoees to take action to maintain the shipping services it members of the Victorian branch of the Seamen’s Union cause a strike by refusing to sail with members of the rival union. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. August 5, 7.50 p.m.) Melbourne, August 5. The Federal Government, having accepted the challenge of the Seamen’s Union, has sent a letter to Mr. O’Neill, secretary of the Victorian branch, asking whether the Press report threatening to strike against the engagement of labour supplied by the rival Seamen's Union is true. If so the Government proposes to take immediate action to maintain the shipping services. Mr. O’Neill has sent a reply, the nature of which is withheld.

[A message from Melbourne, dated July 31, stated: Another upheaval in the shipping industry is threatened owing to the feud between the two riyal seamen’s organisations. The Victorian branch of the Seamen’s Union has decided that members should refuse to sail with members of the Australian Seamen’s Union. The secretary, Mr. O’Neill, stated that those men who subscribed their names to the rival association for registration would lose employment, and, if the owners insisted upon employing them, the vessels would be held up. The decision Is effective Immediately.] SECRETARY’S REPLY (Rec. August 5, 10.15 p.m.) Melbourne, August 5. Mr. O’Neill’s reply is now available. It contains a number of veiled threats against the Government, which he accuses of partiality towards a few "rebellious men Who are prepared to cause disruption in the industrial movement of this country.” The reply otherwise gives no indication whether his members intend to force a strike on the shipping companies.