LABOR'S DEMANDS.

Mataura Ensign, 2 November 1911, Page 5

LABOR'S DEMANDS.

AUSTRALIAN SHIPPINC STRIKE. THE TROUBLE EXTENDING. BT ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT. PER UNTIED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received November 2, 9.20 a.m. SYDNEY, November 2. The wharf laborers decided to oxtend the strike to the deep-sea wharves by an almost unanimous vote. The decision has come as the greatest surprise to shipowners generally, who thought that the strike was unpopular with all but a small selection of the men. When they emerged from the meeting the men were evidently greatly excited and many rushed out repeatedly crying "No work!" The officials quickly dispersed, declining to give the press information. Tlie men are not so reticent and stated, "It's casual work, and the ship'owners can afford to pay." The inter-State railway traffic has tremendously increased owing to the strike. "DEEP SEA" INDIGNATION. Received November 2, 1.55 p.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 2. As far as the wharf laborers are concerned the whole port is idle. The decision was a surprise, and many of the deep-sea men, who did not attend the meeting, presented themselves at the wharves with their dinner, prepared to work. When they were informed that the meeting had voted for a strike many impromptu indignation meetings were held on the wharves and a petition was drawn up praying the Executive Committee to call a halt and hold another general meeting so as to allow all to attend. Signatures are being readily attached. The position appears to be that at the first general meeting the deep-sea men voted that the inter-State workers continue the strike, and last night the inter-State workers filled the hall and voted that the deep-sea men join them, each section voting where the other's interests were concerned. Many of the men declare that a secret ballot would result in the immediate return to work of al! hands.

PRESS COMMENT. Received November 2, 9.20 a.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 2. The 'Sydney Morning, Herald' states: "The action of the men in ignoring the agreement resolves itself into an attitude of contumacy of which many must be ashamed. The repudiation of agreements threatens organised industrialism with disintegration." The writer asks if the Government dare use its legislative authority to down the strike; if not, what becomes of its pretence of responsibility ? The Sydney 'Daily Telegraph' declares that political labor is sustaining a Government that obviously dare not face the responsibility of enforcing arbitration in preference to a strike. WILL THERE BE PROSECUTION? Received November 2, 9.20 a.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 2. In the Legislative Assembly, in reply to a question asking if he intended prosecuting the strikers, Mr Carmichael (Minister for Labor) asked for notice. The same answer was given the previous day. HR HUGHES' CONSIDERING. Received November 2, 9.20 a.m. | MELBOURNE, Nov. 2. Mr Hughes (Attorney-General) in reply to further questions in the House of Representatives stated that there had been a breach of agreement and he was considering what action to take. | BRITISH RAILWAYMEN. WHAT THEY DEMAND. Received November 2, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 1. The railwaymen demand an eighthour with 10 hours for permanent-way men and carriers, overtime at least at the rate of time and a-quarter and ! double pay for Sundays. They also dei mand that the men engaged temporarily in the higher grade should receive higher grade pay, and that length of service be the primary consideration in promotion. LABOR AND POLITICS. Received November 2, 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, Nov. 2. A conference of united laborers' unions decided that no politician should hold office lest the organisations'affairs should be prejudiced. HOW WAGES ARE INCREASED. Received November 2, 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, Nov. 2. The Wages Boards of Victoria have increased the wages of workers by £4,477,489.

AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS

DEMAND FOR HIGHER WAGES. AUCKLAND, Nov. 1. It is understood that the Tramway Employees' Union has formulated demands for an increase of wages and amendments of the grading system. It is expected that the union will give the company one month to consider them. The conductors, who now work in four grades, and are paid 10|d to Is per hour in those grades, seed to have the grades reduced to three and the wages increased to Is, Is Id and Is 2d per hour in the respective grades. With regard to motormen, who also work in four grades, and are paid Is to Is ljd per hour, the demand will be for -e----duction of grades to two and an increase of wages to Is 2d and Is 3d per jhour. A slight increase all round on a I similar basis will be included in the other demands.