NO GAS FOR MELBOURNE

Chronicle (Levin), 9 January 1947, Page 5

NO GAS FOR MELBOURNE

i Press Assn.-

Widespread Unemployrent lay Resall

OTHER UNIONS SUPPORT GAS WORKERS

By Telegraph

-Covyright

Received Thursday, 12.8 a.m. . MELBOURNE, Jan. 8. A general stoppage oi' workers in a number oi' major industries in Uietoria may result i'rom today 's decision q±" the gas workers to eontinue their strike in support of their claim for double pay for Blind ay work. The gas strike, which is now in its fii'th week has already resul-tcd in widespread industriai disloca-ti-on and domestic' inconvenienee. During this period a rationed supply had been available owing to the etforts of a vohtnteer staff to man the gasworks, but. this -supply is ceasing totally at midnight 011 Friday when the eoal at present available- for the gasworks will be exhausted. The transport imions have refusod to unload for ihe gasworks any further su.pplies i'rom the 12,000 tons already in 3f(4bourne. Today 's developments made it elear that the gasworkers are being used as the spearhead to enfore.e the elaims oi' a number of imions for double pay for Bunday work and it is likely tliat within a few days some of these unions vvill take direct action in support; of the gasworkers. The foeal point of determination when these unions will takh action will be January 13 when the .Railways Union applieation for double time on Bundays will be heard in the Arbitratron Uonrt .Other workers involved in siniilar claims inelude the plumbers, earpenters, eleetrieians, earters, drivers, seamen, Avatersiders, road transport ers, railways, tramwaymen and iron work ers. When the 1otal gas blackput oecurs on Friday night thnuxawls of other workers in the industries which depend 011 gas will be automaticaTIy rendered idle.