IDLE WORKERS

Evening Star, Issue 25948, 13 November 1946, Page 7

IDLE WORKERS

Industrial Crisis in Australia

Four States Affected

' . . "f"-" t ■ '*" ,l "** Miners Threaten Joint Strike Action

(Rec. 11.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 13. Four Australian States are in the throes of widespread industrial J disputes which are paralysing industry. Victoria to-day enters the first phase of a new crisis with the dismissal of 70,000 : employees of 800 engineering firms because nego- , tiations have failed to settle the dispute between - the Victorian foundry owners and' the Federated Ironworkers’ Association. While the dispute lasts spending power in Melbourne will be reduced by £490,000 a week. The ironworkers have made new demands that the employers recognise a price increase for the industry, that there should be no curtailment of holiday leave for striking ironworkers, and that there should be no victimisation. This dispute is linked with a similar one in South Australia, which threatens to close all foundries in that State. Failing a settlement, 1,100 employees of. 25 foundries will, cease work on Friday. In New South Wales discussions are still proceeding towards a settlement of the Mort’s Dock dispute, but the key men who walked out and precipita'ted the closure of the works “are still

holding out against a majority, of unionists. The Miners’ Federation has decided to-open a campaign in New ; South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for higher wages and improved conditions. ' The general president, Mr H. Wells, said that unless the demands were met by the end of the year the miners in the three States might take joint strike action. In West Australia, where no trains or trams have run since last Friday, a settlement is believed to be nearAfter argument in the Arbitration Court the judge ruled that the 'Loco- 1 motive, Engine Drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Union should be deregistered, But gave it until this afternoon to reach a settlement. Following interruptions by the union president, Mr A. Davies, the judge told him to be quiet or he would, be,arrested. He warned Mr Davies .that because of certain statements he had made he Was in danger of criminal prosecution, and that any suggestion of linking up with other < unions in an endeavour to force the issue amounted to conspiracy under the criminal code.