AUSTRALIAN SEAMEN'S STRIKE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 22 May 1919, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN SEAMEN'S STRIKE

EFFECT ALREADY NOTICEABLE.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAKING

ACTION

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCI A.TION—COPYRIGHT SYDNEY, May 21. It is estimated that the immediate effect of the seamen's decision will j throw 6000 out of employment, causing the paralysis of coastal and inter-State trade. The cessation of inter-State shipping will render idle 10,000 miners. As the seamen of three States have decided" to strike the union officials expect the strike will spread to the I other States. It is understood the seamen's decision will not affect deep sea shipping. The demands include a six-hour working day, increased wages, compensation for injuries received in the course of employment, compensa- j ' tion to the relatives of sailors dying I from such injuries, and improved accommodation. i The dislocation of shipping is al- | ready affecting the markets. Tas- | manian potatoes have advanced 20s per \ ton. In view of the strike and the. probable shortage of supplies there is the keenest demand for all classes of produce. Prices are,* advancing. MELBOURNE, May 21 . The conference of wharf laborers and seamen reached no decision on the proposal to join forces, and the -conference is not being resumed. On the application of the Controller of Shipping, the Federal Arbitration Court has decided to intervene in the shipping dispute and has called a compulsory conference of tne parties for Monday next. The application is made on the grounds of public interest. The unloading of a .number of idle vessels lias not bo far been interfered with. Many carters and others dependent on shipping are already idle. ADELAIDE, May 21. The local branch of th c Federated Seamen's Union Temadns *firm an its intention not to participate in the strike, and advised the West Australian branch to act similarly.