COASTAL STRIKE OVER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6493, 13 April 1908, Page 5

COASTAL STRIKE OVER.

AGREEMENT SIGNED WORK TO BE RESUMED AT ONCE. TERMS OP SETTLEMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 1 2, 7.46 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 11.

Tho coastal strike was settled to-day. The only point precluding a settlement last evening was in connection with the Merchant Sendee Guild. This was arranged to-day, when the .agreement was signed and ratified by both parties. The coastal steamers will resume running forthwith. The terms of settlement provide that the coastal companies shall cajrry out their agreements with men taken on during the strike, and that those formerly employed by the companies are to return to work as opportunity offers. The Newcastle Company is to have the right to retain its present employees at Newcastle and Morpeth, provided coastal rates are paid in lieu of a weekly wage. Preference to unionists ia to operate after the present employees have either joined tho union or left the employ of the companies. The engineers agree that the coastal owners shall man, at their discretion, not more than sis steamers between three fleets with engineers not exceeding twelve in number; tho remainder of the steamers to be manned solely with members of the Institute of Marine Engineers, who are also to have preference of employment as vacancies occur. None of the -present engineers employed are to be retained after the termination of their present agreements.

The /Merchant Service Guild stipulated that all steamers now out of commission shall b© manned with members of the guild, who shall also fill vacancies as they occur.

The agreement fixes the number of permanent hands at the various wharves.