LABOUR WORLD

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1920, Page 3

LABOUR WORLD

HOURS QUESTION IN AUSTRALIA IRON TRADES CRISIS. (Reed. Sept. 12. 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 12— The position of the iron trades over a demand for a 44_-hour week and no Saturday work" is still uncertain. In some sections of the trade many men workyesterday, while in other sections the bulk of the employees absented themselves. The employers show a solid front in resisting the men's demands, and declare their intention of closing down if the demands are persisted in. At a mass meeting of the trades involved^ speeches were made advocating following the exaniple of the Italian workers in taking over and running tlie shops. One speaker said: "If we are locked out we will work the shops and pay the bosses." The more moderate speakers disclaimed extreme action and foreign methods. The meeting adjourned till next Saturday,, as it is impossible to declare a policy straight oxit until the negotiations with tho Government are over, when the question of shorter hours will reach a finality.