WATERSIDERS WARNED

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 November 1927, Page 7

WATERSIDERS WARNED

AWARDS MUST BE KEPT

SHIP-OWNERS’ ULTIMATUM

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

MELBOURNE, November 25.

The latest phase of the watersiders’ strike is that the overseas shipping representatives and the Commonwealth Steamship Owners’ Association, in a joint letter to the General Waterside Workers' Federation, officially notified the Federation that from 8 o’clock on Wednesday morning next, work will be offered to members of the Federation only on condition that all conditions of the award and agreements are observed. The letter sets out how the shipping industry is hampered and damaged by members of the Federation constantly failing io observe the Arbitration and other awards and agreements. It says the position has become intolerable. The shipping industry can no longer be carried on under such impossible conditions, and therefore, from Wednesday next, as a condition of employment, all practices that conflict with awards and agreements must cease.

The letter specially points out that members of the Federation refused to work overtime in spite of the fact that the Court laid down that such work was essential to the industry, and provision was made for it in the award. The Watersiders’ Federation regard the shipowners’ ukase as a declaration of war, and state it will refuse to accede to it until eithei* the Court or shipowners agree to consider the claims of the Federation. The Management Committee of the Federation is discussing the further policy to be adopted in view of the owners’ decision. A section of the committee favours intensification of the dispute by declaring vessels black.

STRIKERS PERTURBED.

SYDNEY, November 26.

The shipowners’ ultimatum had a bombshell effect among the strikers. Opinion is divided among the men as to whether they will continue the strike in view of the employers’ firm attitude, but it is stated in well informed circles that if the Committee of Management of the watersiders decide to continue, a general upheaval in the maritime industry is likely.

SHORT-LOADED BOATS.

SYDNEY, November 25

The overtime strike is causing delay in the departure of a. number of steamers. Others are leaving short loaded The Ulimaroa had to leave part of her cargo behind.