TRIAL OF STRENGTH

Southland Times, Issue 19394, 7 November 1924, Page 5

TRIAL OF STRENGTH

THE OVERTIME STRIKE PROTRACTED STRUGGLE EXPECTED ALLEGED PACT WITH LABOUR LEADERS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association). (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright). SYDNEY, November 6. (Received November 6, 11.25 p.m.) It is authoritatively stated that, before deciding upon a plan of campaign against the Shipping Labour Bureau, the Waterside Workers’ Federation, with the endorsement of the Transport Group, obtained a definite assurance from each Labour Premier in the Commonwealth that he would not permit the establishment of a shipping labour bureau when the trouble started. The watersiders state that they are prepared to go on indefinitely with the Overtime Strike, because for the first time in many months, most of them have been earning considerably more than they had done for years. This, they state, was due to double shifts working to expedite the handling of cargoes. The Ferndale is still without a complete crew. All the stewards have now left. Another attempt will be made on Friday to sign on a complete crew. The present indications point to a protracted struggle between the Commonwealth Line and the Unions. A meeting of stewards resolved that no member apply for employment on the Ferndale until the men, whom the Seamen’s Union objected to, were discharged. A continuation of the strike beyond the week-end will probably lead to further idleness in inter-State shipping. It is considered probable that two Hud-dart-Parker colliers will be thrown idle owing to the expected closing down of the Hebburn pits at the end of this week. Should the strike continue into next week it is estimated that 10,000 men in various callings will be affected. POSITION AT MELBOURNE. STRIKE COMMENCES. MELBOURNE, November 6. The Overtime Strike has commenced in Melbourne. •Following a conference between the Watersiders’ Federation and the Seamen’s Union, a request was made that the seamen should refuse to give steam to wharf labourers between 5 pun. and 8 a.m. Definite action was taken last night, when the donkeymen driving the winches on the collier War Spray refused to give steam to the wharf labourers engaged in loading the vessel. This action will bring the Melbourne wharf labourers into line with the overtime strikers at the other ports. Mr Justice Powers, in the Arbitration Court, was asked to vary the award for the Seamen’s Union, with a view to making branches as well as the governing body responsible for striking and job control among seamen. Argument was adjourned. STRIKE MAY GO ON INDEFINITELY. BOTH SIDES DETERMINED. A GLOOMY OUTLOOK. SYDNEY, November 6. (Received November 7, 1 ami.) It is stated that the inter-State shipping companies will endeavour to break the Overtime Strike by a policy of passive non-re-sistance, and by the laying up of steamers, so that the trouble with the wharfies may go on indefinitely. The oversea shipping companies, with the aid of the Bureau workers, can carry on indefinitely, but inter-State companies will continue to tie up steamers as soon as they are unloaded, and will not employ either Bureau or free labour. They believe they will be able to stand the siege longer than the Wharf Labourers’ Union. The Sailors and Soldiers’ Shipping Bureau has combined into a Wharf Labourers’ Union, and will shortly apply for registration. A member of the Shipping Bureau on his way to work was assaulted, and a body of police has been despatched to the wharves as a precaution ary measure. In future, extra police will be placed on duty where Bureau men may be subjected to violence. The Moreton Bay’s passengers will be sent by train to Brisbane on Friday. It is possible that the crew will be paid off and the ship tied up.