SUDDEN ENDING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26775, 19 May 1948, Page 5

SUDDEN ENDING

SYDNEY GAS STRIKE

PREMIER’S THREAT OF STRONG ACTION

N.Z.P. A.—Copyright

Rec. 9 p.m. SYDNEY, May 18. The gas strike ended late this morning as suddenly as it began when 1200 idle gasworkers decided unanimously to resume work immediately. The day workers resumed at 12.45 p.m., following a decision by a mass meeting to end the strike. The shift workers are returning on normal rosters this afternoon. An adequate supply will be available for to-day for the North Shore area, but there will be no gas to-day or tomorrow in 85 per cent, of Sydney and the suburbs, which are serviced by the Australian Gas and Light Company. A recommendation to the men to resume work “ in view of the more favourable position created by talks with State and Federal Government representatives” was submitted to the mass meeting by the Union Management Committee. The union secretary. Mr J. C. West, said that the Federal Government had been informed that the gasworkers’ claims should be dealt with by someone who had knowledge of the industry. It is understood that in secret meetings last night the Premier, Mr James McGirr, told the strikers that there was nothing the Govment would not do to provide Sydney with gas, and he threatened to call Parliament together within 48 hours to pass emergency legislation to ensure that gas would be supplied. When one representative of the Gas Employees’ Union derided a suggestion that volunteer labour could be obtained, Mr McGirr retorted: “ Don’t be too sure of that. A number of good trade unionists have been in touch with me to-day and indicated that they would be willing to produce gas to protect mothers, young babies and people in hospitals.” *