LABOUR UNREST

Wairarapa Daily Times, 26 September 1933, Page 5

LABOUR UNREST

SYDNEY STRIKE 1 COMMUNISTIC CHARACTER. Press Association Electric Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, Monday. At a compulsory conference of tho parties to the fellmongery dispute, the union officials promised to place the case for a settlement before their mem-bers-to-morrow. The registrar suggested that the strikers should return to work, after which their case for rescission of the 10 per cent, wages cut would be referred to tli6 Arbitration Court. The strike shows no sign of breaking. The employers are determined to have no dealings with the men till the latter resume, and are considering replacing them with volunteer labour, if necessary. Employers and enthusiastic helpers, including office staffs, worked throughout the week-end and saved a considerable number of pelts which otherwise would have been destroyed. As a result of the strike future supplies of sheep and lamb skins will be dried and sent overseas for treatment, which means a heavy loss to the industry here, If the strike continues action may be taken under the Commonwealth Arbitration Act, which provides for a penalty of £25 for any union ceasing work during the curency of an ajivard. The losses already- suffered by' the employers amount to at least, £25,000. The employers are concerned at the Communistic character of the strike, which is calculated to inflict the maximum loss and disorganisation on the industry and constitutes a direct action in defiance of law and order. It is stated authoritatively that if the strike is prolonged the strikers will receive no dole from the State Government. ANOTHER DISPUTE. ~ SYDNEY, Monday. Another dispute has arisen at the abattoirs, where 400" men ceased work as a protest against the reallocation of space allotments by the superintendent, which means the dismissal of five men. As a result the others struck. Only mutton slaughtermen are affected, and the trouble is not connected with the fellmongery dispute. THE RAND STRIKE. CRITICAL SITUATION. CAPE TOWN, Monday. The Government’s effort to settle the gold miners’ strike on the Rand has failed. Timbermen and shiftmen have been ordered out. Pumpmen are allowed to work on sufferance, as a withdrawal would mean that three neighbouring mines would be flooded. The secretary of the Mineworkers’ Association states that all unions concerned in mining are endeavouring to co-ordinate their demands, feeling that the workers are not; sharing in the benefit of the gold premium. The Federation has been summoned for 3rd October. The situation is regarded as critical.