Serious Position On Wharves In Australia

Chronicle (Levin), 5 February 1947, Page 5

Serious Position On Wharves In Australia

WATERSIDERS REFUSE WORK Received Tiiesday, 8 p.m. SYDNLY, Feb. 4. Events moved swiftly today to-' wards a general strike by water siders in all Australian ports. In Sydney 250 watersiders who refused to accept night work were auspended. More than 300 in Newcastle and 150 in Melbourne also refused but have not yet been suspended. About 80 coal trimmers in Newcastle also j-efused work -tonight and a general >stoppage at that port is expeeted. Shipping men in Sydney fear that the watersiders will refuse work tomorrbw unless the suspensions are lifted, thus precipitating a coinplete stoppage. The trouble began last week when the Federal Council of the Waterside Workers' Federation decided that, commencing today, watersiders would work only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily until the union cfaim for two weeks' paid holidays yearly was granted. Shipowners offered holidays at £6 Is 3d weekly but the Federation refused to lower its .demands for £8 16s weekly. The Minister of Supply and Shipping, Senator- Ashley, is conferring- today with legal authorities on the power of the Stevedoring Commission to grant holidays for watersiders. ' J^neh of the cargo awaiting shipinent is Sydney is .food urgently needed overseas. At Newcastle where 1000 watersiders and coal trimmers ceased work this evening, 40,000 tons of steel products are awaiting shipment. Inter-Statc coal shipments will cease almost immediately but Sydney 's coal supply may not-be affectecl. At Adelaide- 1000 men ceased work this evening following suspensions. At Lrisbane a third of the rcgistered sfrength of the watersiders has already been. suspended for a forffught. The position at Fremantle is# not yet cleaibut the men have refused overtime. * .