Unions’ Challenge To Federal Government

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1939, Page 6

Unions’ Challenge To Federal Government

MELBOURNE, July 12. A tense atmosphere prevailed when the conference of representatives of 70 Federal trades unions was resumed today. The delegates accepted a ruling by the chairman, Mr. R. King, M.L.C., of Sydney, that the conference was committed in advance to boycott the National Register by yesterday’s decision of the Australian Council of Trades Unions. Therefore the business of today’s conference was to prepare plans for industrial action to protect members who might be penalised fpr not signing the register cards.

Most Momentous Issue It was claimed that the industrial movement faced the most momentous issu ein the history of unionism in upsetting, by boycott or strike action, Federal legislation. The militants had a strong majority today. Those representatives not supporting' the boycott expressed frank views on the dangers involved, but they will’apparently be insufficient to challenge the militants’ control of the situation when the decision is taken—probably late tonight.

Militants’ Attitude Tiie militants’ claim tnat they are assured of much mass support for the boycott, and that no political party will be strong enough to attempt ■ wholesale prosecutions for failure to sign. The ppinion is expressed, however, that the Council of Trades Unions

might offer to review the boycott decision if the Government removes from the register legislation the provisions which the union consider endanger labour rights and civil liberties.

Lightning Election Expected

SYDNEY. July 12

The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, indicated upon his arrival at Perth today that he is prepared to take up the labour unions’ challenge and fight an election on the issue whether the law relating to the National Register should be obeyed, or whether one section of the community should be permitted to flout it. Mr. Menzies was referring to the Australian Council of Trades Unions’ decision reaffirming the proposal to boycott the National Register. He added that the register was intended to furnish information enabling the Government to allot each volunteer in time of crisis to the class cf work for which he was best fitted, and the question of conscription was not involved.

Press representatives in Canberra predict a lightning election by September 9. A double dissolution would not bo sought. Well-informed quarters claim that widespread sabotage of the National Register would compel the Prime Minister immediately to seek a mandate to enforce observance of the law, and only the, House of Representatives would thus be affected.

The Palestine Soccer team defeated Queensland at. Brisbane, under floodlights, by 5 goals to 1. . ;