INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14142, 12 June 1920, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

UPHEAVAL IN MELBOURNE. THE FIRST PHASE. Press Association—Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) MELBOURNE, Friady. The first phase of the threatened industrial upheaval was precipitated by the gasworkers in the- employ of the Metropolitan, Brighton, Williamslown and Footscray companies ceasing work this morning, the' engine-drivers at the works stopping with them. Half an hour after the stoppage the gas supplies' commenced to fail, the manufacturers falling back upon emergency plants for power. The trouble mentioned above was foreshadowed in a message published yesterday, which stated: —The Federated Engine-drivers and Firemen’s Association, and the electric light and gasworks employees, have sent an ultimatum to the employers, demanding increased wages, and stating that if they are not granted they will cease work at midnight on Saturday. If the threat is carried into effect it is estimated that 50,000 will be rendered idle the first week, as engine-drivers belong to the association. LITHGOW IRONWORKS CLOSED. SYDNEY, Friday. Owing to a dispute between the managers and the moulders at the Lithgow blast furnaces the management has closed the. works, rendering a thousand men idle.