STRIKE CAUSES SURPRISE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1687, 1 March 1913, Page 5

STRIKE CAUSES SURPRISE.

AGAINST UNION DISCIPLINE. (Roc. February 28, 8.45 p.m.) Sydney, February 28. The gas striko surprised both tho oompany and tho Gas Employees' Union. Tho meeting of departing and now shifts last night decided to stop immediately, and took action accordingly. Tho office staff and the experts kept tho supply up to-day, but .unless a settlement is arrived at forthwith North Sydney will bo without gas to-morrow night.

A Labour Council deputation interviewed the company's manager, and admitted that tho strike was precipitate, and against union discipline. The deputation urged that steps be taken to obtain a Wages Board award, so that tho men could obtain tho advance, and that it could be passed on to the consumer. Tho manager declared that there would be no opposition to the increased wage if it coiild be passed on. It represented a' total of .£OOOO, and the reduction in the price of gas under tho new Act meant another .£6OOO, and this tho company was unable to stand; anyway, tho men must return to work before anything could be done. Subsequently a conference of the company's and men's representatives was hold. The company insisted that resumption of work was imperative beforo there could bo any negotiations.