OWNERS FORCING CLIMAX

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1928, Page 7

OWNERS FORCING CLIMAX

hope for moderate issue ALL VESSELS TO BE TIED UP UNIONS STILL UNDECIDED By Te’.cgrerh—Press A.s-n—Copyright-Australian Press Association. Received May 17, 9 p.m. . Sydney, May 17. By giving the crew of the Orungal notice the shipowners have left no doubt that they intend to tie up the entire inter-State fleet as the vessels arrive at their home ports, rather than tolerate longer the tactics of the Cooks’ Union. There are now 17 ships idle directly and indirectly through the dispute, and 1158 men have been thrown out of employment. Although the other unions are opposing Messrs Tudehope and Johnson in their stand against a settlement, it is recognised in union circles that should aon-union labour be engaged the fight will become an issue for all the unions in Australia. A Melbourne message says the waterside workers’ conference is still discussing the motion by Mr. Johnson: “That this conference support the cooks until a settlement is reached on the basis of the conditions existing at the time of the Ulimaroa’s dispute, or failing that, on the conditions existing prior to the dispute.” No decision has been reached, but the indications are that the moderate element will prevail and that the dispute will be referred back to the Australasian Council of Trades Unions with a recommendation that the cooks be instructed to return to work on the terms of their award. The shipowners are forcing a climax by laying up the Orungal. The vessel has a crew of 130 and many passengers, who will be compelled to complete the journey to Melbourne by rail. The employers are receiving numerous applications for volunteer labour, but are reluctant to take volunteers if they can gain victory in any other way, as it would involve an immediate stoppage of the entire industry, also of other indnrtries.