STRIKES IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14928, 28 February 1912, Page 7

STRIKES IN AUSTRALIA

MEN'S RIGHT TO WEAR BADGE ARBITRATION COURT'S VIEW. INJUNCTION AGAINST TRAMWAY COMPANIES. BRISBANE TRAMWAYMEN NOT STRIKERS. By Telegraph.— Tux* Association.— Copyright. (Received February 27, 9.20 p.m.) Melbourne, February 27. In the Arbitration Court the president (Mr. Justice Higgins) delivered judgment in the case between the Tramway Associations of Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide and their employers, concerning the wearing of badges (the ostensible cause of the Brisbane strike). His Honor found that any regulation, by-law, or order made by any of the respondents which forbids tramway employees, when performing their duties, to wear badges, is unreasonable; and that the regulation of the Brisbane and Melbourne Tramway Companies forbidding the wearing of badges is unreasonable. He added that members of the Tramway Employees' Association must be allowed to wear badges when in uniform or on duty without interference. The Court could do nothing regarding the reinstatement of the men who had been dismissed in Brisbane; that was a matter confined to one State. It hoped that substantial success would be achieved by the association in its effort to allay embittered feelings, and induce members to let bygones be bygones. In the course of his summing up, His Honor said that the badge, instead of being a cause of quarrelling, would be more likely to conduce to peace. It was a grotesque mistake to suppose that unionists are always spoiling for a fight with non-unionists. The forbidding of the wearing of badges was merely part of the policy of the tramway companies to suppress unionism, especially federated unionism. The fostering of rival unions by the Brisbane and the Melbourne Tramway Companion had been a cause of bitterness. It was monstrous to think that the union should be forbidden to use badges in its favour, while the companies used every effort against the union in favour of the parasitic growth that they planted and fostered.

The Court granted an injunction against the tramway companies on the ground that the prohibition against the wearing of badges is invalid. With regard to not having power to order reinstatement of dismissed men, the judge said there was no strike; the men were simply dismissed. A VICTORY, BUT NOT AFFECTING STRIKE. (Received February 27, 9.20 p.m.) Brisbane, February 27. In announcing the decision of the- Arbitration Court Mr. Coyne, chairman of the Strike Committee, said that it meant a victory for unionism throughout the world. Henceforth any man not wearing his union badge would be a coward. In an interview Mr. Coyne declared that the victory would make no difference to the strike. It would not be over for some time. BRISBANE WORKERS RESUMING. Brisbane, February 27. _ The carters have resumed work. There ■was a rush to fill the vacancies, and those securing places will pay 10 per cent, of their wages to support those unable to get back. Most of the sawmills and timber works are again in full swing, while in the iron trade and building trade the employers and employees' are negotiating with a view to resumption. Negotiations are also proceeding between the Waterside Workers' Union and the employers. Communications passed yesterday and a statement is made that it is likely that work will be resumed on the wharves about the middle of the week. Sydney, February 27. The Howard Smith steamer Mourilyan arrived from Brisbane and discharged a cargo of bananas (intended for Melbourne) with regular hands. She was unable to proceed eouth owing to the coal lumpers declining to work her. The company intend to dock the vessel for overhaul, but it is rumoured that the deck hands and painters will refuse to touch her. BONDAMBA MINERS' ATTITUDE. (Received February 28, 12.45 a.m.) Brisbane, February 27. The Bondamba miners have resolved that if they return to work it will be without conditions. They are also pledged to support the waterside workers and other strikers. ADELAIDE FIRE BRIGADESMEN. Adelaide, February 27. The fire brigadesmen's strike is unsettled. Both sides are firm. The Fire Brigades' Board reports that it has plenty of volunteers offering. Applicants approaching the stations are accosted by exfiremen, who are picketing, and many applicants are thus induced to change their minds. A movement is afoot to get the Mayor to mediate. The Government will have . notliing to do with the matter beyond giving moral support to the Board, which is confident of its ability to carry on and afford the necessary protection to property. The City Council discussed the situation, and negatived a, resolution condemning the Board for locking out the firemen. BOARD ENGAGING PERMANEXTS. (Received February 28, 12.45 a.m.) Adelaide, February 27. The fire briga-desmen declare that they will accept affiliation with the Labour Council, or nothing. The Firo Brigades' Board has started engaging a permanent stall in place of the strikers. Any apprcations from the latter are being considered with the others.