WATERSIDERS’ STRIKE

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 November 1927, Page 7

WATERSIDERS’ STRIKE

OTHER UNIONS PROTEST

INTERVENTION RESENTED

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (By Cable —Press Assn. —Copyright.)

MELBOURNE, November 5. The executive of the Australian and New Zealand Council of Trades’ Unions resolved to intervene, in the overtime strike and request the management committee of the Waterside Workers’ Federation to meet representatives of the council in conference. Although the proceedings were in camera it is learned that strong exception was taken by some representatives to the action of the watersiders in jeopardising industry at a time when so many workers are unable to find employment. The view was expressed that should the’ strike be permitted to extend, many members of other unions will become automatically involved, with consequent loss of employment. Objection is also taken to. the direct action methods of watersiders, who put the strike into operation without first consulting the other organisations which are likely to be affected. It is expected that the watersiders will resent the action of the council intervening in the dispute, and will refuse to grant a conference, but it is believed the council will be called upon to discipline the Watersiders’ Federation with the object of protecting the interests of other waterfront unions. The official statement setting out the views of the watersiders claims that the dispute originated in the vexatious delays of the Arbitration Court in hearing the unions’ plaint, together with the studied hostility of the employers in every attempt that had been made in the last two years by both the Court and the Federation. to reach an agreement in keeping with the industry.

It concludes: Right from the commencement, the Federation earnestly desired to effect an agreement.

QUEENSLAND FORCED IN. ,

BRISBANE, November 25, Acting on instructions of the Federal Management Committee, the Queensland waterside workers ed to fall into line with other ports in the Commonwealth, and refuse to work overtime. It is understood that the committee of management threatened to declare the Port of Brisbane “black,” unless Queensland watersiders joined the strikers. So far, only one or two vessels are delayed at Brisbane.

SHIP-OWNERS’ DECISION

MELBOURNE, Nov. 24.

A joint conference of overseas and inter-coastal shipowners decided in future to insist on the full observance of all awards and agreements with the Waterside Workers’ Federation. When informed of this decision, the Federation declared it was, tantamount to a challenge, and that a prolonged strike on the waterfront now seemed unavoidable.

TO HELP THE FARMERS

SYDNEY, Nov. 24.

Referring to the waterside workers’ overtime strike, Mr. Bruce promised that the Government would do everything in its power to protect the primary producers, who found it necessary to handle their own perishable goods. ' .