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STRIKERS PLAN PICKETS AGAINST UNLOADING FOOD SHIPS AT SYDNEY

(Rec. 8.15). SYDNEY, March 20. No indications of an early end to the Sydney wharf strike, now in its tenth day, could be seen to-day, as the watersiders went ahead with elaborate plans for picketing to prevent any volunteer labour from working. When alleged terms of a settlement, worked out in. Canberra, were referred to officials of the Sydney branch of the Waterside Workers’ Federation, the President, Mr W. Coghlan, said that the formula did not seem to offer any hope of a settlement. He and his Executive had not received any official details.

ABOLITION OF OVERTIME MOOTED

This Canberra report suggests the possibility of overtime work being wiped out, except in special cases, when the approval of the Union would have to be obtained. It is understood that the Government may direct the Stevedoring Industry Commission to accept this compromise. To add to confusion, Mr Chifley, Prime Minister, said in the House of Representatives to-day, that he understood that the watersiders were prepared to work overtime until the lag in the cargoes was overtaken. There is no sign of this attitude in Sydney.

UNLOADING OF FOOD SOUGHT

There was- a motion of urgency moved by the Leade rof the Opposition, Mr V. Treatt, to have the food situation debated, in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly to-day. It was defeated on a party vote. Mr Treatt said that, in the interests of the people, it was imperative that the Government use every means in its power to ensure that the food urgently required should be unloaded. The Premier, Mr J. McGirr, said that he did not believe Mr Treatt was in earnest. This- matter was already receiving the closest possible attention of the Commonwealth Government, which had appointed Senator Ashley to investigate it. Mr McGirr said he was himself in almost hourly contact with Mr Chifley. Mr Darby, one of the organisers of Tuesday’s meeting of citizens in the Domain, said: “The Government gave permission for mails- to be unloaded by Post Office employees, but is scared to allow volunteers to touch vital foods. I approached a produce merchant yesterday for permission to unload a cargo of swedes which he owned, but he said .he would rather lose the cargo than risk a bashing”.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GRA19470321.2.36

Bibliographic details

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1947, Page 5

Word Count
384

STRIKERS PLAN PICKETS AGAINST UNLOADING FOOD SHIPS AT SYDNEY Grey River Argus, 21 March 1947, Page 5

STRIKERS PLAN PICKETS AGAINST UNLOADING FOOD SHIPS AT SYDNEY Grey River Argus, 21 March 1947, Page 5