DOCKERS ON STRIKE

Southland Times, Issue 19173, 18 February 1924, Page 5

DOCKERS ON STRIKE

BIG INDUSTRIAL UPHEAVAL SETTLEMENT EFFORTS FAIL BOTH SIDES IN BELLICOSE MOOD. (Reuter’s Telegrams.) LONDON, February 15. (Received February 17, 7.5 p.m. ' A final attempt to secure a settlement of the dock strike is being made by the Ministry of Labour requesting the dockers’ delegates to rem-in in London and meet again to-morrow. The delegates, who were about to return to their respective districts, agreed to remain but by teleghaph confirmed the orders to cease work at noon on Saturday. Simultaneously came the announcement of the commencement of the dock strike. The text of the Bill with the object of abolishing casual dock labour, which was one of the dockers’ principal demands during the negotiations, has been published. The Bill was presented by Mr Ben Smith. It prorides for the establishment of a National Joint Council representing the employers and workers to co-ordinate the system of registration and insurance of dockers all over the country. Three statements were issued after the break-up of the conference. The employers emphasised the view that no grounds had been shown for any advance in wages but in view of the national interests they offered a shilling from 3/3 with immediate arbitration regarding the remaining shilling. They point out that they were prepared to make a wholehearted endeavour to find a solution of the problem of casual employment, with a view to removing the evils attendant upon the system. They added that these proposals had been rejected. The Union secretary issued a statement that no further offer had been submitted than that already known, therefore the strike notices were confirmed. The Ministry of Labour issued a statement that both sides are meeting the Minister on Saturday at 11.30 ajn. It is pointed out that though the strike has been ordered to begin on Saturday at noon, it could not be effective until Monday, as there is little work at the docks on Sunday, therefore there is time to call off the strike before it has really entered upon a disastrous phase if a solution should be found at Saturday’s conference with the Union. The leaders, however, do not expect the employers to change their attitude and their own attitude has been continuously firm. Mr Bevin all along contended that two shillings was the irreducible minimum. Many delegates at the York Conference, at which the demand was formulated, wanted to claim more on the ground that the employers were sure to offer less but the leaders said: “No, ask for two shillings and stick to it.” This has been done. Bitter speeches were made at a meeting at Rotherhille last night, when Mr Bevin declared that the combined profits of the employers represented £3,000,000 It could not be the money that mattered; it was a desire to demonstrate their mastery. That really was the issue. It was a political game that was being played. Mr Ben. Tillett said: “I tell the Government, the public and the Press, that if a strike starts, we will hold on till the last. The employers have strongly contested the men’s estimates of their profits. Should a strike occur, the food supplies will be held up, but there are enormous accumulated stocks. The Minister of Transport has prepared plans to distribute food throughout the country if necessary. In the meantii_e, ork at the docks is being pressed feverishly. it will speedily involve other unions, immediately affected by the dock strike, but it speedily involve other unions. SHIPS DESERTED. MANY VESSELS LAID UP. LONDON, February 17. (Received February 18, 1.0 ajn.) The strike d’dy began on Saturday at noon at all ports, when 120,000 men left work. The vessels due to sail were abandoned with cargoes incomplete. Food ships being emptied were deserted and the dock areas entirely desolated on the stroke of the clock. Thereafter thousands of dockers swarmed into the Union branch offices for strike cards and picketing instructions. The Sunday Express reports that sixty vessels are held up in Glasgow, forty in Manchester, eighty at Hull, and forty-six at Tees. During Saturday, the Minister of Labour held a conference with both parties but issued a statement at 5.30 o’clock that the employers had been unable to extend their previous offer which the Union representatives were unable to accept. THE CONTROLLING POWER. SIGNIFICANT INSINUATION. LONDON, February 17. (Received February 18, at 2 a.m.) It transpires that the parties assembled in separate rooms and the Minister (Mr Shaw) journeyed from one to the other seeking a solution. Finally both parties met only for the last hope to be shattered. Mr Bevin addressing the Press, said: “We have been in this building two days and the latest statement to us is that the employers have no power to concede the second shilling. There is some authority outside the shipping and transport industry which apparently they must consult; some power in the background which is making this just claim the butt of political and economical policy.” Mr Bevin added: “It is significant (commenting on the official cost of living figures) that they have risen to the exact point where they stood last year when the dockers lost two shillings in wages.” Allen (Chairman of the Employers) denied that there is any power who the employers must consult. Food experts prognosticate a rerival of national rationing.