“BLACK” BAN

Southland Times, Issue 25363, 15 August 1935, Page 7

“BLACK” BAN

SYDNEY SEAMEN EXTENSION OF STRIKE MILITANTS IN CONTROL OVER 1000 MEN IDLE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) Sydney. August 14. A mass meeting of members of the Sydney branch of the 'Seamen’s Union to-day took the extreme course of reaffirming previous strike resolutions. It was further decided to apply the “black” ban to all vessels owned and operated by the Australasian Steamship Owners’ Federation or its auxiliaries, also to inter-State or overseas vessels attempting to lift cargo from vessels at present tied up or that become idle. More than 750 men attended the meeting, which was held in the basement of the City Town Hall. Mr Jacob Johnsen. Federal secretary of the Seamen’s Union, was practically howled down when he appealed for moderation, at the same time declaring that it was the wrong time to call a general strike on the eve of obtaining a Federal award. He also reminded the men of the Federal Government’s threat to invoke the Crimes Act and possibly compel the seamen to take out licenses under the “Dog Act.” Other speakers roundly criticized the Magistrate's decision in dismissing the overtime claims yesterday, and contended that the payment of this money should have been made a condition of any settlement. the militants took complete charge of the meeting and pandemonium prevailed for three hours. Practice of Picking Up Crews.

In an official statement issued after the meeting Mr C.-Herbert, secretary of the Sydney branch, said: “Our men are prepared to man the ships if the shipowners will revert to the former practice of picking up crews whereby a ship’s officers and engineers are allowed to do the selecting.. This has been the custom with all lines except Huddart, Parker, Ltd. It is humiliating that our men should be _ left in a line-up outside the wharf while officers inspect their discharges when such work could easily be done on shipboard before the pick-up. The Huddart Parker Company’s method of asserting the principle of free selection is being used in a way which enables them to victimize our members.” It was pointed out that the dispute with the Huddart Parker Company and that regarding the Murada men were two separate issues. The strike has assumed serious proportions and there are now 15 ships affected, rendering idle more than 1000 men. The strike has developed so quickly that fears are now held that the entire inter-State shipping trade will be brought to a standstill at an early date. Marama May Not Be Involved. An attempt will be made to-morrow by the militants to induce the crew of the Marama to join the ranks of the strikers, but it is confidently believed that they will be unsuccessful, in which case Mr Forbes and party, as well as the Maori footballers, will be able to sail. Apart from the inconvenience to passengers and shippers, the strike is having a serious repercussion in business and commercial circles. Merchants already report a shortage of potatoes and fruit, the prices for which are beginning to soar. It was reported in Sydney to-night that the Federal Cabinet had no immediate intention of intervening in the dispute, but if a settlement is not in sight by the week-end the Government will certainly do so. POSITION IN MELBOURNE MORE CONCILIATORY ATTITUDE. SHIPOWNERS’ ASSURANCE. .United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.35 0.m.) Melbourne. Aug. 14. The Bass Strait steamer Nairana, due from Tasmania to-morrow, may be laid up on arrival. It is unlikely that, the Taroona will be held up as it would mean paralysing the passenger and cargo trade with Tasmania in which the Federal Government is directly and financially interested to the extent of a subsidy of £50,000 a year. The seamen fear that by disrupting this service they would constitute an immediate challenge to the Federal Government. Because of the shipping strike the Prime Minister, Mr Lyons and his wife will be unable to leave Melbourne for Tasmania before Saturday. The Acting Federal Attorney-Gen-eral, Senator Brennan was to-day informed by the shipowners that, if the seamen agreed to resume work immediately the Murada men would not be long out of employment. Senator Brennan said this should remove the fear of the Murada men that they were likely to be permanently victimized. Mr W. Clarke, president of the Seamen's Union, said this assurance would considerably assist towards a settlement.

Melbourne seamen at a meeting this afternoon decided to tie up no more ships until the Federal executive of the union meets. Though members of the crew of the Tasmanian steamer Nairana gave notice to cease work, the men will be asked by the union when the ship arrives at Melbourne to-morrow to withdraw the notices and keep the service running. The men’s decision is believed to be due to the decision of the Steamship Owners’ Association to apply only a limited period to qualified discharges. This means that the Murada men will shortly become eligible for re-engage-ment, thus removing the original cause of the dispute. Tasmanian orchardists are heavy losers as a result of the strike and many are facing financial embarrassment due to the loss of the Sydney market, which is worth from £BOOO to £lO,OOO a week to them.

The motor body building industry in South Australia will be brought to a standstill within four days if the strike continues. Nearly 6000 men in this industry, whose wages total £27,000 a week will be thrown out of employment.