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Greymouth Evening Star, 16 January 1947, Page 8

SUDDEN END

SYDNEY GAS STRIKE

SUBSTANTIAL GAINS FOR WORKERS

OTHER DISPUTES liWfflG ?

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 16.

The prospects of recovery from a number of disputes which have been threatening industry and causing hardship to the householder have become much brighter during the past few hours. The gas strike is settled and a full supply is expected tomorrow evening. • The meat, strike is expeetdd to conclude to-day.

The watersides may drop their proppsals for a nation-wide tie-up of shipping and. the Premier, Mr. McKcll, will discuss with .union representatives to-day proposals tor averting the tram and bus stoppage scheduled for Monday. The gasworkers have gained time and a-half rates for Saturday work, improved rates for shift workers and an increase in the industry allowance. ' The employers will not oppose the union, application for an interim basic wage increase of 7/- a week. The Arbitration Court will consider claims for double time on Sunday and time and n-quarter for night shift work between Monday and. Friday. Shift workers have improved their basic rates from £7/”-/6 to £B/1/6 a week.

Prooosals for Butchers.

After talks between Government officials arid representatives of the Master Butchers’ Association, settlement proposals in the butchers’ dispute have been evolved and may be announced by the Prime Minister, Mr. Cbifley. to-day. The proposals will be placed before, a meeting of the rcl.nil butchers in Sydney foil iglri and if accepted all butchers’ shops, will bo opened on Monday. Representatives of the transport croup of unions will confer’ with Mr McKell to-day in an effort to prevent, a train and bus stoppage on Monday. The men demand time and a-ha If for Saturday, double time for Sundays arid a five-day 40-hour week. The Ministers are hopeful, of trouble being averted but no terms of settlement have been made public.

Secret Conference.

A secret conference held yesterday jn Canberra between a Federal Minister and Waterside Workers Union officials will probably prevent the threatened water front stoppage. Mr. Chifley has assured the watersiders that the Stevedoring Industry Bill will be one of. the first measures submitted to Parliament.