HIGHER PAY DEMANDED

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 25 September 1933, Page 7

HIGHER PAY DEMANDED

FELLMONGERING INDUSTRY

STRIKE IN BOTANY DISTRICT HEAVY LOSSES ESTIMATED SUM OF £25,000 ALREADY (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) Received 2.30 p.m. to-day. SYDNEY, Sept, 25. The fellmongering industries in Sydney were plunged into chaos by the sudden strike of 750 employees at the five principal Botany fellmongerles on Saturday. The dispute is due to the refusal of the employers to restore the 10 per cent, wage cut imposed some time ago by the court. The busiest time of the year was selected for the hold-up, and the employers declare that if the strike lasts three days 70,000 skins valued at £35,000 will be rendered wortliless. The strike to-day shows no signs of breaking. The employers are determined to have no dealings with the men till the latter resume and are considering replacing them with volunteer labour if necessary. Employers and enthusiastic helpers, including office staffs, worked throughout the weekend and saved a considerable number of pelts which would have been destroyed.

As a result of the strike future supplies of sheep and lamb skins will be dried and sent overseas for treatment, this meaning a heavy loss to the industry here. If the strike continues action may be taken under the Commonwealth Arbitration Act, which provides a penalty of £25 against any union ceasing -work during the currency of an award. The losses already suffered by the employers amount to at least £25,000. Hie employers are concerned at the Communistic character of the strike, which is calculated to inflict the maximum of loss and disorganisation on the industry and is direct action in defiance of taw and order. It stated authoritatively that if the strike was prolonged tins strikers will receive no dole from the State Government,