Part Strike On Australian Waterfront

Chronicle (Levin), 6 February 1947, Page 5

Part Strike On Australian Waterfront

Press Assn

MEN REFUSE NIGHT SHIFT

By Telegraph

.-Copyright

Received Wednesdav, 9.30 p.m. SYDNEY, Feb. 5. When men who were employed on day loading shifts on vessels in Sydney before yesterday, finish their jobs, the stoppage on the waterfront will be complete. inter-State vessels will be empty in about 10 days and overseas vessels in a fortnight, after which all ships in pqrt will be immobilised. As the day gangs finish they are expected to refuse to otfer for further work until the men suspended have been reinstated. It is emphasised that this is an iinusiial type of dispute whieh has eJements both of a strike and lookout. The men have refused to work night shift until holidays with pay are granted, and the Stevedoring Industry Commission is carrying out its threat to suspend all who refuse work. Thus the Sydney waterfront, in common with those of other ports, has been in a state of half strike and half lookout since 5 p.m. yesterday. The day gangs are not striking because they are fulfilling the instruetions of the Waterside Workers' Federation without doing so. In Sydney 1270 watersiders out of a reglstered strength of 6241 have been suspended. The result of the deadloek is that traffic will be slowly strangled. The interState cargo aecumulation is Sydney alone is already 80,000 tons. Mechanical loaders are maintainiug suplies of coal to Sydney at Mewcastle but inter-State shipments have stopped. In iMelbourne the port commit-

tee decided to reroster 150 watersiders who yesterday refused night work. The men were suspended for 24 hours only and resumed wo.rk today. Davtime work is 1/eing- continued on 37 shiiis. In Adelaide over 1200 watersiders. including 900 who have been suspended, are idle. The stoppage in Brisbane is complete and all sugar sheds are full. Hobart observed yesterday as a holiday but the)(men have refused to work tonight."