AMERICAN DOCK WORKERS

Evening Star, Issue 22193, 22 November 1935, Page 11

AMERICAN DOCK WORKERS

BIG STRIKE THREATENED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, November 20. A'telegram sent to President Roosevelt by the International ‘ Longshoremen’s organisation from Los Angeles to-day called upon the Government to intervene in the threatened strike of between 12,000 and 14,000 Pacific Coast and 20,000 Atlantic Coast dock workers in sympathy with the Gulf of Mexico vessel loaders, who are trying to obtain recognition of their union against bitter opposition by the shipowners. The strike, which is expected to tie up shipping plying in both the Atlantic and the Pacific, is already partially in effect, especially in western ports, where a vessel from New Orleans, allegedly loaded by non-unionist labour, can find no one to unload her. Representatives of the shipping interests have petitioned the Federal Department of Justice to investigate union activities and start prosecutions under the Sherman Anti-trust Act. The American Federation of Labour sent representations strongly protesting against Department-of Justice ‘‘ interference.”

In the meantime the fate, of .much “ hot ” —which in Australia and New Zealand is. equivalent to “ black ” cargo lies in the balance, with a prospect of a serious disturbance in America’s seaborne .commerce.