DISAPPROVED

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 25 November 1927, Page 5

DISAPPROVED

| BY A. & N.Z. TRADE COUNCIL ACTION JEOPARDISES INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT WANTED, NOT STRIKE. [By Cable — Press Assn. — Copyright.l (Received 25, 10.30 a.m.) Melbourne, Nov. 25. The executive of the Australian and New Zealand Council of Trades Unions resolved to intervene in ri e overtime strike and request the management of the Waterside Workers’ Federation to meet representatives of the council in a conference. Although proceedings are in camera it is learned that strong exception was taken by seme of the representatives to the action of the watersiders in jeopardising ■ industry at a time when so many workers are unable to find em-

ployment. The view is expressed that should the strike be permitted to extend many members of other unions will become automatically involved with consequent loss of employment. Objection is also taken to the direct action methods of the watersiders, who put the strike into operation without first consulting the other organisations which are likely to he affected. DISCIPLINARY ACTION EXPECTED. It is anticipated that the watersiders will resent the action of the council in intervening in the dispute and refuse to grant a conference, but it fs believed the council will be called upon to discipline the Watersiders’ Federation with the object of protecting the interests of other waterfront unions. THE WATERSIDERS’ CLAIMS. Au official statement setting out tho views of the watersiders claims that the dispute originated in the “vexatious delays of the Arbitration Court in hearing the union’s plaint, together with the studied hostility of the employers in every attempt had been made in the last two years by both the Court aifrl the federation to reach an agreement in keeping with the industry.” It concludes: “Right from the commencement the federation earnestly desired to effect an agreement.”

QUEENSLANDJCUS REFUSE WORK. (Received 25, 10.25 a.m.) Brisbane, Nov. 25. Acting under instructions from the Federal management committee, the Queensland waterside workers decided to fall into line with the other ports in the Commonwealth and refus to work overtime. It is understood that the management committee threatened to declare the port of Brisbane, black unless the Queensland watersiders joined the strikers. So fpr only one or two vessels have been delayed at Brisbane. AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS. / (Received 25. 9 a.m.) / Sydney, Nov. 25. Locally the watersiders’ overtime strike has undergone little change. Developments are largely dependent on the shipowners’ conference sitting at Melbourne. OWNER' THROW DOWN GAUNTLET. A joint conference of overseas and interstate shipowners decided in future to insist on full observance of all awards and agreements with the Waterside Workers’ Federation. When informed of this decision, the' management committee of the Watersiders’ . Federation declared that it was tantamount to a challenge and that a prolonged strike op the waterfront now seemed unavoidable. Referring in the Canberra Assembly to the waterside workers’ overtime strike, Mr. Bruce promised that the Government would do everything in its power to protect primary producers who found, it necessary to handle their own perishable goods.