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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19562, 4 May 1926, Page 7

LAUNCHED

THE SYDNEY STRIKE SHORT WEEK TROUBLE employers dismiss WORKERS SITUATION' NOT YET CLEAR By Telexrepb—Per Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 3, 10.30 p.m. SYDNEY, May 3. As anticipated, the strike in the iron trades over the 44-hours trouble was fairly launched this morning, when the men who on Saturday absented themselves from work arrived and reported for duty were, according to notices previously posted at various workshops, dismissed. The men reported upon instructions from their unions, and expecting the answer they received accepted the position quietly. In most cases thev were paid off, and in some instances'mutual regret was expressed over the position that had arisen, both sides explaining that they were obeying decisions reached by the controlling organisations. The situation is not vet clear, according to statements made by officials of the unions involved. A considerable number of firms in the metropolitan area did not carry out r decision to dismiss the men. CONFLICTING REPORTS BOTH SIDES NOT UNANIMOUS INIONS CLAIM A LOCK-OUT Received Mar 3. 10.30 p.m. 'SYDNEY. May 3. Employers are reticent regarding the 44-hour trouble. A statement issued this afternoon on behalf of the Metal Traders’ Employers’ Association says that all that the employers have to say at the present is that they have registered their protests against the action of unionists in refusing lo observe awards. It is hoped the unions will see the folly of their actions and listen to reason. Officials of the affected unions have been in continuous session throughout the day. receiving reports and considering the position amongst other things. An official announcement was made vesterdav that all claims for the 44hours week lodged in the Federal Arbitration Court by Wednesday will be dealt with next week. The question of lodging such applications, and other matter", will be dealt with as the situation develops. On behalf of the unions it is claimed that they were locked out. According to union reports, twenty-six city and suburban firms only to-day dismissed their employees, and they claim that a number of others defied the Metal Traders' Association ukase and conceded the men’s claims. On the other hand, it is stated on behalf of the employers in some shops that the men defied the unions and continued to work. So far there has been no suggestion of a conference from either Bde.

THREE THOUSAND DISCHARGED THE POSITION YESTERDAY APPLICATIONS FOR NEW AWARD Received Mar 3. 10.30 p.m. SYDNEY, May 3. It is impossible to give anything like i It finite statement as to the number nffr-cted in the iron workers’ strike. \rrcrding to Trades Hall estimate : »«»«) men were discharged, and 20.000 I . 25.000 others will be directly and in-rt-etlv interested. Most unions have : I ready taken steps to apply to the f ederal Arbitration Court for variations of the award to secure the 44I* >ar week. the Minister for Labour is keeping : close touch with the principals in •th the 44-hours and engineers’ disIn regard to the latter, the Min- . r states that proposals are under •:->ideration which may avert a ces-•’-i.ion of work on Friday.