STRIKE AT SYDNEY

Grey River Argus, 27 February 1943, Page 3

STRIKE AT SYDNEY

8000 TEXTILE WORKERS GREAT MAJORITY GIRLS SYDNEY, February 26. A general strike in the woollen worsted and cotton textile industry in Sydney has been declared. As a result about 8000 employees an overwhelming proportion being girls, will be absent from duty and important war contracts will be held up. This is one of the most serious disruptions in Australia’s war effort which has yet occurred. It is hoped, however, that an early settlement of the dispute will be reached. The strike has occurred because the employees objected to delays in the finalisation of their award claims. Women employees comprising about 70 per cent, of the adult employees in the industry ar e seeking 90 per cent, of the male rate of pay. I’he present rate for female machine operators is £2 19s 9d a week, as against £5 5s for a male machine operator. An increase of 6s a week is being sought in the. male rate of pay. The Minister of Labour (Mr Ward) has stressed the harm which will be done to the Government’s war plans by the loss of essential production. The Government, he said, took a serious view of thp strike which was in defiance of Union officials. '