N.S.W. Mime Engine Drivers Granted Arbitration Tribunal

Grey River Argus, 23 May 1947, Page 3

N.S.W. Mime Engine Drivers Granted Arbitration Tribunal

SYDNEY, May 22. The Federal Government has granted to the craft unions in the coalmining industry the arbitrating tribunal demanded by the Federated Enginedrivers’ and Firemen’s Association. The claims wiL' come before Mr. F. H. Gallagher, who in his capacity as the Coal Industry Tribunal now’ exercises jurisdiction over most of the coal industry. The announcement will end the strike at the Cessnock collieries and ensure supplies of coal to the gas and power companies, which are now near the end of their reserves. Lack of coal on Wednesday caused a drastic curtailment of work at the Broken Hill Proprietary’s iron and steel works at Newcastle. The coke ovens and one blast furnace have been closed, causing large sections of the works to be thrown out of action. “The circumstances which have led to this are to be regretted,’’ says n official notice to the employees, “but the situation would soon right itself if only the company’s coalmines would work without frequent stoppages and produce the coal required.”