LABOUR MATTERS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18366, 27 April 1925, Page 11

LABOUR MATTERS.

DOCKYARDS "BLACK."

DISGRUNTLED UNIONISTS

(bv CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COrraiGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN" AKD N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

SYDNEY, April 24

Tho Minister of "Works (Mr Ball) announces that in consequence of the attitude of a section of the trades unions at Newcastle in endeavouring to paralyso industry at the "Walsh Island dockyards, it is possible that the Government may have to abandon the idea of building a floating dock.

The Federal Government has just agreed to a 15,000 ton instead ol : a 13,000 ton dock, and increased its subsidy from £120,000 to £135,000. ''lt is extremely unfortunate," said Mr Ball, "that tho men should carry on like that, when it is realised that the Government for some time past has been endeavouring to place the dockyards on a much better footing than before. During the past year nearly 1000 men were employed, diie to the fact that the Government endeavoured to find work for them." Mr Ball said he understood that the men were being paid award rates, and in this connexion had no complaints, unless they desired by present methods to obtain more than the award provided. . The decision has had little effect upon the progress of work at the dockyards. Yesterday the Minister of "Works received official notification that there were more men at work than on tho previous day. Mr Ball stated that no increase in wages would be given tho strikers. The men had a legal remedv and would have to abide by the law. A mass meeting of members of the vnions at the dockyards will be held on Monday, when the position of the strikers will bo fully explained.

UPHEAVAL IN INDIA

DELHI, April 23. <

More than 20,000 workers on the North-western railway, the main lino of communication with North-West L-dia, are now involved in the strike. The leaders threaten to continue the strike until the system is brought to a standstill. The management alleges that there is intimidation of loyalists. The mails are still running.

COUNSELLING A STRIKE,

SYDNEY. April 24

Jacob Joliannsen appeared at tho Police Court this morning on a charge of counselling certain people to strike. Johannsen, who is acting-secretary of tho Seamen's Union,' pleaded not guilty. Tho action arose out of the holdingup of the steamer Levuka. The hearing was adjourned till May Ist.

ENGINEERS* DISPUTE.

LONDON, April 23

Replying to the engineering trade unions' demand for a £l increase, the employers submitted proposals to the i'crtv trade unions concerned suggesting increased hours in an attempt to reduce the costs of production and counter foreign competition. At present the men work 47 hours at Is an honr. plus a bonus of 10s. The employers propose oO hours at 9d an hour, "and a bonus of 12s. night workers, now receiving time and twothirds, to bo increased from 47 to 52J hours.

The sub-coiiimittee of the trade unions was amazed at the proposals, which are being submitted to a full executive meeting.

Proceedings were adjourned to May 20th.