STRIKERS GO BACK.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1906, 14 November 1913, Page 8

STRIKERS GO BACK.

U.S.S. CO.'S PERMANENT MEN,

At a meeting held yesterday the Union Company's permanent; port hands, who went on striko on Friday, November 7, decided to return to work. Up till the tittle they ceased work those men had been in the habit of working in two seetions, -eight with the coal gangs and fire with the casual cargo workers. Tho eight men who wore employed as supervisors of the coal gangs were paid a weekly fixed wage. The- five permanent cargo workers h-act beea working under the same conditions as the coal man. Those who 'knew tbo conditions and ■ rates of pay under which what, are termed tho "permanent casuals" were engaged held the opinion that the men had acted unwisely. They were reluctant to take the step ; their onh/ reason being fear of intimidation by the watersiders. During the- nast week they have had time to reconsider matters, awl have doilo so with the result stated. When the.y approaohed the Union Company's officials tlioir services were- accepted. From what could bo gathered, all, with the exception of three, will start work this morning. Ono of their, number is in ill-health, and two have left Wellington, Tho places of the latter two will be filled from the ranks of the casual workers and others on the wharves.

Seen last evening, a pramine-St official of the Union Company .said that the permanent men deserved praise for tho step which they had taken. "In fact," he continued, "they should never havo gone out, but there is no doubt that they wero forced to take up the attitude tb.ey did on account of the throats to which they were subjected by certain waterside workers. Adequate protection is now provided, and .these men iieed not have any apprehension .on tfcit score. 1 -am sure thai; when the 'p&r* wianents'l decision becomes known tomorrow, it will havo a great nioral effect on the strikers."