MELBOURNE STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 225, 17 June 1920, Page 5

MELBOURNE STRIKE

SITUATION HARDENED BY EMPLOYEES' UNITED ACTION . CABINET REFUSES TO INTERVENE By Telegraph—Presß Association-Copyright Melbourne, Juno 16. It is estimated that -upwards of twenty thousand workers are idle through the strike, though there are only two thousand actual strikers. Tho decision of the employers to act unitedly has resulted in a hardening tendency, and is r.iinimising any gleam of compromise. The strikers' deputation to the Premier accused him of taking sides with the employers. Mr. Lawsc-n denied this impeachment, and insisted that he onily endeavoured to keep tho public utilities goine. . Cabinet has refused to intervene m the dispute, assorting that the principle of deciding industrial disputes is at slnke, and therefore the matter should be determined by tho Court.—Press Assn. FOOD SUPPLIES - AFFECTED (Bee. June 17. 1.20 a,ui.) Melbourne, June 16. _ A. serious extension of the strike i« affecting food supplies. It is reported that manufacturing gTocers are ceasing work at all establishments where black power is used. There are now twenty thousand idle, and tho city is suffering a 6erious fuel shortage.—Press Assn. SEAGOING WIRELESS OPERATORS STRIKE FOR INCREASE IN WAGES. (Reo. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 15. Sea-going wireless operators havo struck for an increase in wages to ;67 per week: —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.