SHIPPING DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22398, 20 April 1936, Page 10

SHIPPING DISPUTE

PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO MEN SEEK OUTSIDE AID SAN FRANCISCO. April IT The " stormy petrel " of the Pacific Coast ' labour world, Harry Bridges, once again demonstrated the unusual hold he has on his followers when the longshoremen's local union, of which he is the head, to-day endorsed his activities on their behalf. At a closely-guarded meeting the men voted in support of Bridges' policy not to accept any employment from the Employers' Association unless it is given through the joint hiring halls established by the Arbitration award which Eettled the 1934 strike. With 4200 members of his union facing enforced idleness, Bridges nevertheless declared that ho would demand shorter hours per day, higher wages and better working conditions. At the same time Bridges announced that picked speakers would be sent to address waterfront workers at other Pacific, Coast ports at the week-end in order to strengthen the sentiment ■which he says exists for outside support of the/San Francisco union.

The shipping companies have reaffirmed their intention to hire waterfront workers only at their docks. They are not disturbed by the slowing down of activities in the shipping district. Ten vessels are lying idle and at least five ships have been diverted to other routes to avoid San Francisco.