DARWIN "GOOD UNIONISTS"

Northern Advocate, 8 October 1920, Page 3

DARWIN "GOOD UNIONISTS"

£101 EARNED ON WHARF IN

17 DAYS.

It is stated by a resident of Darwin now visiting Melbourne that when (the steamer Abadesia arrived at Darwin to take away 1500 tons of meat, the wharf labourers "went slow." When trading to the Argentine the Abadesia had discharged 8000 tons of coal, cleaned lfler holds and decks, and taken in 5000 items of frozen moat, all within eigjht day,s. At Darwin 65 "good unionists" loaded about 50 tons a night. After a week's experience the demurrage charges had to be considered. The union, "bosses" were approached, and it was agreed that if the men did twice as much work as they were doing they should receive double pay. ,In 17 days tlhe vessel was loaded. Tie average wage for each man waa £101 for 17 days , -work.' Since that many of the "good unionists" have travelled from the Territory on "indigent passages" provided by the Commonwealth. These men quote the case of a "good unionist" who had been "on the spree" for a few weeks. It was thought that he should share in the money paid for the loading of one steamer, and the edict wan issued that he must be given a job. There were reasons wiry ■ the man. in charge thought differently. But lie paid tihe "good unionist '' regular wages on condition that he never came near the vessel!