TUGBOAT HOLD-UP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21980, 26 March 1946, Page 5

TUGBOAT HOLD-UP

PORT OF LONDON HOURS & WAGE CLAIMS FOOD MAY BE AFFECTED LONDON, March 24. The Thames tugboatmen who handle ocean-going shipping into the Port of London went on strike this morning. They are claiming shorter hours. The strike means a partial hold-up oi food supplied to London from overseas. It involves 25 tugs and 220 men on London’s four main tug companies. The Press Association says it was intended to be a 24-hour token strike, but it may last longer. A company official said that shipping thus far had not been greatly affected because the weather was fine and the Thames comparatively clear so that a number of ships navigated the river without assistance, but if the strike continued London’s food supplies would be considerably affected. He said the strike was unofficial. The men met on Saturday afternoon and “sprang this thing upon us." They wanted a 48-hour week and increased wages, which the companies were not in a position to give them. The companies were ready to negotiate with the unions blit not with the men.

The men’s representative said that the tug-boat hold-up was not a strike but a lock-out. He added that the men were at present working 72 hours, plus overtime, which often meant 100 hours weekly. They gave notice they would continue to work 72 hours from to-day but no overtime.

“When we came ashore last night, we were told to tie up the tugs,” he said.