THE SHIPPING STRIKE IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8362, 16 September 1890, Page 5

THE SHIPPING STRIKE IN AUSTRALIA.

REPLY TO THE EMPLOYEES' MANIFESTO. THE RIGHT TO AFFILIATE INSISTED UPON. ALL TRADES TO BE CALLED OUT. Press Association.— Telegraph.— Sydney, September 15. With regard to the recent employers' conference, individual owners regret that the letter proposing a meeting with labour delegates was not sent before the intercolonial employers' conference had finished its sittings. Sydney employers are unable therefor 4* to appoint a delegation to represent the whole of the employers. The Labour Defence Committee has issued a lengthy manifesto in reply to the owners. The following briefly is a statement of their position :This conference agrees to the principle of freedom of contract between employers and employes, but holds that combination is absolutely necessary in the best interests of the people, and that trades unions, being legal institutions, are entitled to recognition by all classes. The basis of unionism being voluntary union, it is against our principles to use coercion of any kind ; and we therefore use moral suasion only. We claim that every workman should have freedom to join any organisation he may choose, and we deny that the employers have any right to use any influence other than moral suasion to prevent his doing so. The conference claims that it is absolutely necessary, in the interests of the working classes that they shall have the right to refuse to work when the conditions under which they are asked to continue are such as to be detrimental to their interests. The conference is heartily in accord with the general principles contained in the proposals of the employers' conference regarding the affiliation of employers, and on similar grounds claims for the workers absolute freedom to affiliate with their various organisations. [Receireil September IC, 1.20 a.m.] Sydney, September 15. The carriers, who are union men, are likely to strike, thus preventing wool coming in. The Labour Defence Committee have resolved on calling out all affiliated bodies. The strike of carters has caused a good deal of inconvenience, and private vehicles have been largely pressed into service. STAGNATION AT THE LONDON DOCKS. London, September 13. There is stagnation in the London docks in consequence of the Australian strike, and hundreds of stevedores and clerks are unemployed. Only six ships are loading where there are usually fifty. The slackness of trade, exhaustion of funds, and the necessity to assist Australia, are given as the reasons which compelled the London dockers to repudiate the Southampton strike. STRIKE FUND DONATIONS. London, September 14. A monster parade on behalf of the Australian strikers took place at West Ham to-day. The sum of £52 was collected.