WORK AND WAGES

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 7 May 1928, Page 6

WORK AND WAGES

TROUBLE WITH COOKS. (Per Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY, May 6. The position arising as the result of the suspension of the Marine Cooks’ award remains obscure. It is believed the owners have prepared plans, but they maintain strict secrecy. Their interests are being directed from Melbourne. The unionists believe an attempt will be made to maun the Ulimaroa, which should normally leave for - Auckland next . week, with volunteer cooks. The latter have held no meeting so far and are apparently awaiting developments. The feeling is said to be pessimistic. All inter-State shipowners meet in Melbourne on Tuesday to decide on rhe steps to maintain the regular coastal services. The Huddart-Parker Company’s losses are already estimated at £70,000, and if a settlement is reached to-morrow, the Company has r o redress. SYDNEY, May 5. In the cooks’ case. Chief Justice Detheridge made it clear that he was suspending the award only because of the direct action. The action of the Union was unreasonable, inasmuch as it had the opportunity to have the grievances dealt with by the Court, which formed no opinion on the merits or demerits. Whether the benefits of the award would he restored to the cooks was a matter largely dependent upon themselves. The cancellation of the award means that the owners may employ nonUnion cooks upon the owners’ terms, which apply to all vessels on the coast. Cooks already employed will be required, when their articles expire, to agree. They are certain to refuse, ano the Union will therefore order all cooks to strike.

A statement to this effect was made by the Union Secretary, who declared that extreme action is inevitable, resulting in a general hold-up of the inter-State vessels. Ship owners declare that the owners will be compelled to repudiate the Cooks’ Union henceforth, otherwise demands similar to those made upon Huddart, Parkers will be made upon all inter-State companies. Mr W. Appleton states that a meeting of the Commonwealth Steamship Owners’ Association will be held on Tuesday to determine the future, policy. Foreign gold is without doubt fomenting this upheaval, added Mr Appleton, who estimates the loss to the ccoks to date at £70,000. [At the Federal Arbitration Court, Judge Dethridge suspended the Marine Cooks’ award. The hearing lasted just over one minute, a representative of the Commonwealth Shipowners’ Association stating that the position was unchanged and asking the Court to give effect to the warning previously given. Judge Dethridge, in delivering judgment, said: “It is manifest that the Union and its members are still indulging in direct action, and my order suspending the award must operate as from to-night.”] THE COTTON INDUSTRY. LONDON, May 4. The sequel to the rupture of the cotton conference, is that the Cotton Spinners’ Association is balloting for numbers on the question whether to serve notices on employees, demanding a 12f per cent, reduction in wages. The Cotten Spinners’ Manufacturers’ Association is recommending districts to press for a 48-fiov week, as well as a reduction of wages. UNEMPLOYMENT IN MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, May 6. The Trades Hall Council return shows that 15.000 unionists are with out work. The largest section is carpenters’ and builders' labourers with 2500. Tue total is the biggest the city has known for many years. MINING PROTEST. SYDNEY. May 5. Tho Morobe Miners' Association, Edie Creek, New Guinea, petitioned the Federal • Government against the continual granting of new alluvial leases, which, they allege, deprive the claim workers of a livelihood, and also against the 5 per cent, tax on gold. The petitioners add that much payab’e ground is new tied up under lease, the applications for which warrant investigation, because of the improper p.ocedrre.