LABOUR TROUBLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8654, 12 February 1914, Page 5

LABOUR TROUBLES

A SERIOUS ASPECT BUTCHERS’ STRIKE IN SYDNEY. By Telearraph—Press Association— Copyright SYDNEY, February 11. Tho butchers’ strike has assumed a serious aspect. A combined meeting of representatives of the whole meat industry decided to offer the men a compromise of forty-nine and a-half hours a week and a rise of 5s instead of 10s. The Secretary of the Master Butchers’ Association said that with the present high prices for stock and high wages not one butchery business in Sydney was paying expenses. A further meeting of employers will be held on Thursday. If tho butchers do not accept the ultimatum the shops will be closed. MASTERS’ OFFER DECLINED. (Received February 11, 9 p.m.) SYDNEY, February H. A meeting of strikers decided to refuse the Masters Butchers’ offer of board. The Australasian Meat Employers’ Union will abide by its previous decision. OVERTIME STRIKE GENERAL. PARTIES AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS. SYDNEY, February 11. _ Tho wharfmen’s overtime strike is general at all ports controlled by the Federation. Both parties are awaiting developments at to-day’s meeting. COMPULSORY CONFERENCE. (Received February 12, 1.8 a.m.) MELBOURNE. February 11. The compulsory conference between the shipowners and the waterside workers to consider the claims put forward by the latter, held a short sitting and adjourned till to-morrow to consider certain suggestions made by Mr Justice Higgins. SERIOUS INCONVENIENCE. (Received February 12, 0.45 a.m.) BRISBANE, February 11. The wharf labourers’ strike committee is seriously inconveniencing shipowners and tho public. Several vessels were compelled to leave short of cargoes.