AUSTRALIAN STRIKE.

Grey River Argus, 28 November 1927, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN STRIKE.

OWNERS’ TERMS.

Declined by Federation.

fAns and N.Z Cable A Q .n"). MELBOURNE, November 26.

After reading the shipowners’ statement. the Committee of Management of the Waterside Workers’ Federation carried a motion: That the terms for normal resumption of work, as requested by the shipowners, were impossible. The Committee accepted the threat of the employers to create a lockout of all shipping, and advised its branches to carry out its instructions without fail.

In the letter to the shipowners, however, the Federation states that it is still willing to confer, with a view to drafting an agreement covering every phase of the industry. “A BOMBSHELL." 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. WATERSIDERS’ REPLY. MELBOURNE, November 27. The watersders’ reply to the shipowners, after stating the terma on which they are prepared to negotiate, adds that subject to these conditions being observed, we are prepared to enforce compliance with the agreement, but this committee is not prepared to police what is obviously an obsolete and inefficient award.