UNION BADGES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1375, 28 February 1912, Page 5

UNION BADGES.

RULING IN BRISBANE CASE.

COURT FINDS IN FAVOUR OF MEN.

JUDGES REBUKES COMPANIES

Br l'elecraDh-Prejs AsMciatlon-Ooprrlslil (Kec. February 27, 0.20 p.m.) Melbourne, February 27. Mr. Justice Higgins, President of tho Federal Arbitration Court, has delivered his judgment in the tramway strike case. The Court found that any regulation, by-law, or order mado by • any of tho respondent tramway companies which forbids traimvny employees, when performing their duties, to wear is unreasonable, and the regulation of the Brisbane and Melbourne tramway companies forbidding tho wearing of budges was unreasonable. Tho members of tho Tramway Employees' Association must bo allowed to wear badges when in uniform or on duty without interference, His Honour said ho could do nothing regarding tho reinstatement of tho men dismissed in Brisbane, ns that was a matter confined to ono State, and tho Court had jurisdiction only in inter-State matters. Ho hoped, however, that tho substantial success achieved by tho association would allay embittered feelings and induce membors to let bygones be bygones. In the course of the summing-up Mr. Justice niggins said that instead of tho badge being a cause of quarrelling it was more likely to conduce to peace. It was a grotesque mistnke to suppose that unionists were always spoiling for a fight with non-unionists. Tho forbidding of tho badges was merely part of tho policy of companies in endeavouring to suppress unionism, especially federated unionism. The creating and fostering of rival unions by Iho Brisbane and Melbourne companies had been a cause of bitterness. It was monstrous to think that the union should bo forbidden to use bodges in its favour, while tho companies used every effort against tho union, and in favour of the parasitic growth they had planted and fostered.

The Court granted an injunction against the tramway companies, on the ground that tho prohibition against the weaving of badges was invalid. Speaking with regard to his lack or power to order tho reinstatement of the Queensland men, the Judge said there was no strike; the men had simply been dismissed.

NO DIFFERENCE TO THE STRIKE. STATEMENT BY ME. COYNE. (Rec. February 27, 10.15 p.m.) Brisbane, February 27. Mr. Coyne, chairman of tho Strike Committee, in announcing the decision of tho Arbitration Court, said it meant u victory for unionism throughout tho world. Henceforth any man not wearing a union badge was a coward. In an interview, Mr. Coyne declared tho victory would mako no difference to the strike, which would not be over for some time.

ANOTHER SHIP BLOCKED. • Sydney, February 27. Messrs. Howard Smith and Company's steamer Mourilyan arrived at Brisbane, and discharged a cargo of bananas, intended for Melbourne, with regular hands. She was unable to proceed south owing to tho coal lumpers' declining to work her. The company intends to dock Hie vessel for overhaul. It is rumoured that tho dock hands.and painters will refuse to touch her.

POSITION AT BUNDAMBA. (Rec. February 28, 0.45 a.m.) Bribanc, February 27. Tho Bundnuiba miners haves resolved that if they return to work it will ho unconditionally. They havo also pledged themselves to support the waterside and other strikers.