Australian Industries

Chronicle (Levin), 12 December 1946, Page 5

Australian Industries

— Press Associatinn

^ DEMANDS BY COAL MINERS . _

Bv . Telearavh-

Received Wednesdav, 7 p.m. SYDNEY, Dee. 11. A. general coal strike may be calied early iii tlie New Year- if the Federal Governinent fails to iniplement its plans to rehabilitate the industrv. Tliis (hreat, says tlie Sydney Morning Heruld, was made by the general secretary of the Miners' Federation (Mr. G. Grant). Mr. J. B, Ghifley, in his election policv sjieech, promised the miners beLter working conditious, • and increased uiechanisatioxi. Mr. Grant criticised the Governinent 's delay in the setfing up of new- authorities under the proposed Joint Coal Board to control the industry in New youth Wales, All south coast njines will stop work next Monday when the southern miners will liold mass meetings to delerjuine what action they will take to enforce claims for conipensatiou payments to dusted miners. The representatives of miners stated that they -are dissatislied with the talks that tlfey had had with Mr. W, J. McKell aud other ytate Alinisters on puyineiits for dusted miners. From Melbourne it is reported that Ihere is little hope of a resijinption of work at the Yictorian foumlries before Ihe New Year. Negotiations for the aettlemerit of the strike broke down when the Australian Aletal Industries Assoeiation declined to consider claims for wage increases to engineers. Whether the unions wil! take action to exteud the strike or to amend tlieii claims will be decided at union meetings today. Melbourne meanwhile is preparing for gas ratioijing if tlie gas workers decide today to stop work uniil their claims have been granted. A stopwork ineeting of gas employees will discuss strike reconimendations by the managenient eonimittee of tlie union. Ifrationing- is introduced gas will lie available on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 ii.ni., and 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m., on 8aturdays from 11.30 a.m. to L30 p.m. and 011 Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.