Shorter Week; Less Pay; Strike Threat
SYDNEY. Fri. (11.30 a.m.)—A reduction in pay imposed with the introduction of the 40-hour week threatens to precipitate an Australiawide shipping hold-up.
The men affected are members of the Ship Dockers and Painters’ Union, which will begin strike action tonight as a protest. These men are paid by the hour.
They have been notified that, with their hours of work reduced by four, they will now earn 16/- less a week. The men are demanding the same weekly payment, because they say the federal 40-hour award stipulates that there shall be no reduction in wages.
About 250 painters and dockers employed by the Union Steam Ship Company have decided that unless their claims are met they will strike tonight. 6000 MEN INVOLVED The Federal Arbitration Court has been notified of the dispute, in which about 6000 men throughout Australia are involved.
Newcastle painters and dockers say they will not work after tonight for the present rates of pay. In Brisbane dockers and painters will hold a mass meeting on Sunday to discuss strike action.
In Melbourne 700 members of the union will strike tonight unless rates of pay are increased. They are asking for an increase of 3d an hour.
On their present hourly rate the men receive £B/4/- a week for 44 hours.
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Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 9 January 1948, Page 3
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220Shorter Week; Less Pay; Strike Threat Northern Advocate, 9 January 1948, Page 3
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