KEY TO COAL STRIKE DECISION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 192, 10 May 1940, Page 10

KEY TO COAL STRIKE DECISION

Victorian Miners To Vote Today RESULT LIKELY TO HAVE BIG INFLUENCE (By I'elegrapti.—l’rcss Assn. —Copyright.) (Received May 10, 12.5 a.m.) -MELBOURNE. May 9. Victoria's State coal mine, Wonthaggi. where the miners will vote tomorrow, is thought to hold the key to the strike decision. A majority for resumption would mean the collapse of the strike, but a vote for continuance would certainly hearten those favouring accepting the Federal Government's free labour challenge. There are about 2000 employed at Wonthaggi, where the strike involves extra issues in a quarrel 'with the State Government, which owns the mine. The Wonthaggi men were on strike three weeks before the general strike began. The State Government's serious threat to close the mine permanently unless the strikers resume may influence some miners to vote for resumption. Wonthaggi has a long career off financial loss, but the State has per- 1 severed with it in the hope that the mine would fulfil the object of its. establishment, to make Victoria independent of New South Wales coal. Frequent stoppages at Wonthaggi have largely nullified this object.