CAUSE OF STRIKE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20360, 18 July 1934, Page 7

CAUSE OF STRIKE.

Dispute of Fourteen Years’

Standing. (Received Julv 18, 2.15 p.m.) SAN FRANCISCO, July 17. It is safe to say that the great majority of San Franciscans have little cr no idea of the actual causes of the longshoremen’s strike, which has precipitated the present difficulties. A careful study indicated, however, that the dispute which flared into warfare has been of fourteen years’ standing when, it is alleged, the shipping lines compelled the longshoremen to belong to company unions. The N.R.A. code, with its provision for the representation of labour outside the company unions, is said to have given the longshoremen the impetus to strike not only for higher wages and better working conditions, but also for “ labour solidarity ” with other maritime unions and the Central Labour Council. The Industrial Association of San Francisco, representing the great majoritv of the employers, is determined at all costs to maintain freedom against picketing and the right of employment of non-union labour. It is generally conceded that the N.R.A., more than anything else, gave stimulus to fighting out the issue between Labour and Capital in the form of a strike and is held responsible for precipitating the issues not only here, but throughout the country.