THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2164, 13 April 1908, Page 3

THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT ACCEPTED. AFFECTED UNIONS STILL UNSETTLED. United Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, April 10. Tho chief point at issue when tho Conference adjourned on Wednesday was whethor members of tho Institute of Alarino Engineers should roreturn to work,while allowing engineers engaged on coastal boats during tho strike complete tlio terms of their agreement with companies, some of which, it is stated, run up to twelve months. A ballot of the Institute today decided to allow free engineers to complote agreements. Subsequently a meeting of representatives of tho coastal companies accepted the provisional agreement. A meeting of tho Unions affected is now in progress. The latest report is that they refused certain proposals for an agreement and that the strike remains unsettled.

TERMINATION OF STRIKE. AGREEAIENT RATIFEID BY BOTH PARTIES. United Press Association—Copyright (Received April 12, 5.57 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 11. The strike is practically settled. (Received April 12, 7.40 p.m.) The only point precluding a settlement last night was in connection with the Merchant Service Guild. This was arranged to-dav, when an agreement was signed and ratified by both parties. Coastal steamers ,will resume running forthwith. The settlement provides that coastal companies may carry out- their agreement with men taken on during the strike, and those formerly employed are to return as ormortunity offers. The Newcastle company is to have the right to retain present employees at Newcastle and Morpeth, provided that coastal rates are paid in lieu of weekly wages. Preference is given re unionists, this to operate after present employees have joined the union or have left the companies employ. The engineers agree that tlio coastal owners may man, at discretion, not more than six steamers between three fleets with engineers not exceeding twelve. The remainder of the steamers aro to bo manned solely by members of the Institute of Marine Engineers, who also have preference tor future vacancies, but none at present of the engineers employed are to be retained after the termination of tlie present- agreements. Tlio Merchant Service Guild stipulated that all steamers now out of commission are to he manned by members of the Guild, who will also fill vacancies as they occur. , The agreement fixes the number of permanent hands at the various wharves. -