WORK AND WAGES

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1453, 3 November 1911, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES

The Sydney Strike. EXTENDS TO DEEP SEA MEN. GREAT SURPRISE. (Press Association.—Uy Telegraph.— Copyright). Sydney, Yesterday. The wharf labourers have decided to extend the strike to the deep sea wharves, by an almost unanimous vote. The decision caused the greatest surprise to the shipowners. It was generally thought the strike was unpopular, with all but a small section of the men. When they emerged from the meeting the men were evidently greatly excited. Many rushed out, repeatedly crying "No work." The officials quickly dispersed them, declining to give the press any information. The men are not so reticent. The Interstate Railway traffic is tremendously increased, owing to the strike. Mr Hughes, in reply to further questions in the House, stated that there had been a breach of agreement. Government was considering what action it should take. In the Assembly, in reply to a question if he was prosecuting the strikers, Mr Carmichael asked for a notice of question. The same answer was given on the previous day.

| PKESS VIEWS, The Herald states that the action of the men in ignoring the agreement resolves itself into an attitude of contumacy of which many must be ashamed. Repudiation of agreements threatens organised industrialism with disintegration. It asks Government to dare'to use its legislative authority to put down a strike; if not, what becomes of its pretence of responsibility? The Telegraph declares that political 'Labor is sustaining Governments that obviously dare not face the responsibility of enforcing arbitration in preference to strikes.

/ WHOLE PORT IDLE,

HOW THE DECISION WAS

REACHED.

:'DEEP SEA MEN INDIGNANT.

As far as the wharf laborers are concerned, tlie whole port is idle. The • decision camo as a surprise to many deep sea men, who did not attend the meeting, 'and presented themselves at -the wharves with their dinner, prepared to work. When, k•foiimed that the .meeting bad voted for the strike, many, imiprompk indignation 'meetings were held on, the wliairy.es. A petition was drawai up praying the executive to call a kit and hold 'Motto geneM meeting to allow all to attend, the signatures being readiy attached. The position, ■appears to be that the first general meeting of deep sea men voted! tHat the inter-state workers continue the strike. Last night the rater-state workers filled the hal -and voted that the deep sea mem join them, each section' .voting where the others interests were concerned. Many men deckne that ,a secret ballot woirldi iresult in an immediate return to work of all hands. IBRITISH RAILWAY TROUBLE, THE MEN'S DEMANDS. London, Yesterdav. The railwayman demand an eight hoars' day, with ten hours far per-manent-way meii and carriers, overtime at least at the 'rate of time and) a quarter, and double pay for Sundays. They also demand that .mem engaged temporarily in a higher grade shall receive higher 'grade pay, and that length _of service shall be the primary consideration.