“FREE” LABOUR

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 November 1924, Page 5

“FREE” LABOUR

STRIKE TENTACLES. SPREADING IN AUSTRALIA. WATERSIDE TROUBLE. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. Received Nov. 5, 11.55 a.m. . SYDNEY, Nov. 5. The waterside trouble is extending and other unions are now being affected. At least seven inter-State steamers will be laid up in Sydney/ and Melbourne this week. 'This means the throwing out of work of members of maritime unions.. The numbers of returned soldiers and sailors employed by the Shipping Free Labour Bureau were increased, following a ready response to the call for more men. The Trolley and Draymen’s Union makes no secret' of its unwillingness to be drawn into the dispute. .The “irritation” policy is being carried on, only on a much more modified, plan. So far the gear has been replaced and goods covered at knocking-off time. There has been no report- of the go-elow tactics' or faulty loading and stacking. At Newcastle unemployment is also increasing. The coal trade is menaced by the coal trimmers’ refusal to work after 4 p.m., If at the end of the present week the tactics are still in operation 15 collieries on the Maitland field will have to close down, idling 7500 men. _ It is reported that dissatisfaction exists among a number of coal trimmers over, the abolition of overtime. The rate of payment till 4 p.m. is 3s an .hour, and after that 4s 6d. It is learned from a reliable quarter that a petition has been lodged with the secretary of the Coal Trimmers' Union asking for another meeting to be called to review the position. MELBOURNE,/Nov. 5. There is no apparent weakening in the decision of Melbourne waterside workers to hold aloof from the overtime strike.