Militant Watersiders

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 86, 27 March 1926, Page 5

Militant Watersiders

Threat of Direct Action PROGRAMME OF NEW DEMANDS COMPULSORY CONFERENCE CALLED. [By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.] (Received 27. 10.55 a.m.) Melbourne, March 27. On the application of the Common, wealth Steamship Owners’ Association, with a view to settling many disputes existing around the coast with the Watersiders’ Federation, a compulsory conlerence has been ordered by Air. Justice Powers lor Thursday. The watersiders are at present threatening direct action if their demands are not granted. The demands include increased wages, abolition of afternoon pick-ups, and special overtime allowances. NEW UNION REGISTERED. OBJECTIVES OUTLINED. (Received 27. 10.55 a.m.) Sydney, March 27. It is officially announced that the application by the Sydney branch of the Australian Seamen’s Union for registration as a trades union has been granted. It is generally believed that the object of the union seeking registration is to further its fight against tho Melbourne branch, and also to assist the Sydney branch to combat the activities of a rival organisation which is composed of volunteer seamen in the coastal trade.