Labour Troubles in Australia

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 14, 19 July 1890, Page 2

Labour Troubles in Australia

IVHB. UNITES PBESS ASSOCIATION.J 1 Sydney, Julj 17. i The Wharf Labourers' Union has carried a resolution to the effect that it is unlawful of any member of the Umon 1 to work with the persona contracting for 3 ' the discharge and loading of intercolonial 1 boats. Delegates from the Union inter- ' viewed the steamship owners, who replied ■ that the contracts for stevedoring were i | made for economical reasons, as the old i L system was ruinous. Special meetings ■ of the owners and labourers are to be held < I to-day. ] i Work was resumed on the Tekapo and I Jubilee thia morning, the owners agreei ing to discharge the foremen pending a I settlement beiug arrived at. ■ Meetings both of the owners and wharf l labourers were held to-day. The former decided to take legal advice as to the 3 action of the men in withdrawing, on the , ground that they had broken their own [ rules, which provide for notice being j given of charges. A letter to this effect r has been cent to the Union. At a meeting of wharf labourers an b animated discussion took place on the ■ j question of the employment of stevedores. It was decided to rescind yester- . day's resolution and allow the stevedores -, to carry out the existing contracts for t twelve months. l In view of the demands put forward by the yarious labour bodies, the steamship x owners have decided to take a firm stand. (. Conferences are being arranged with the j seamen to-morrow, and the marine officers and engineers next week. July 18. „ When the wharf labourers were pro- . ceedmg to unload the Pukaki, they were informed that it was intended the stove- * dores should discharge the steamer in | accordance with the resolution passed by the labourers yesterday. The men there ' upon refused to work at all, in spite of | the resolution. Meiboxtbne, July 17. r The shipowners have determined not to , concede the demands of the men, as they ! consider they are 'altogether unreason 5 able, but they are willing to increase the j pay of the officers. The shipowners also 1 decided to join the Steamship Owners . Association, and will sign a hood pro--5 yiding for formation of a fund for mutual protection. _________________