WATERSIDE STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1264, 20 October 1911, Page 5

WATERSIDE STRIKE.

TROUBLE IN SYDNEY. GENERAL BLOCK OF SHIPPING FEARED. OWNERS TAKEN BY SURPRISE. By Telegraph—Press Association—OoDJricht (Bee October 20, 0.53 a.m.) Sydney, October 19. Tho wharf labourers employed on tho coastal trado and inter-Slato wharves liavo struck for an increase of wages to Is. Cd. an hour and 2s. 3d. an hour for overtime, (he samo rates us were recently obtained by tho deep sea men. Several steamers aro held up, including the Union. Company's Paloona. No Notification Given. The sfcriko is tho outcome of a resolution carried a fortnight ago setting out the union's intention to demand an increase, but no dote was then fixed, and no official notification was given tho shipowners, to whom the strike cams as a surprise. Only vessoh which have arrived last night aro so far affected, as those partially unloaded are being completed. Negotiations aro proceeding between, the companies involved and tho Wharf Labourers' Union officials. The Men's Demands. Tho shipowners point out that leas than two months ago they levelled up the coastal wharf labourers' wages to those of the deep sea men, viz., fifteen pence an hour and two shillings for overtime. Tho deep sea men claimed that they wore entitled to higher rates than tho coastal workers, and secured an advance to Is. Cd. and 2s. 3d., which tho coastal men now demand. Tho principal companies so far affected are" tho Uuddart-Parker, the Illawarra iwA South Coast, the NowcasHo and Hnn- , ter River, ami the Union Company. No attempt has been made to unload vessels arriving to-day, and tho policy of tying tho ships up on arrival will continue.

Inter-State Troublo Probable, Unless the strike is settled speedily the whole coastal and inter-Stato shipping trade will bo brought to a standstill. Everything is quiet, and both sides are reticent. The men are very firm in tho demands. Negotiations are proceeding, but tho shipowners state that thoy enn do nothing until they havo consulted their principals. Important developments in other States are probable within tho next day or two. Tho Loougana and Kaitangata, of tho Union Company's fleet, are affected.