BEEBY’S INTERIM AWARD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 8 December 1927, Page 5

BEEBY’S INTERIM AWARD

ON PRE-STRIKE TERMS. ACCEPTED BY WATERSIDERS. Melbourne, December 7, After the meeting of the Arbitration Court this morning, it was announced that the watersiders would return to work on t the present award conditions, including two pick-ups, pending consideration of their case. When the dispute was mentioned tn the Arbitration Court, Judge Beeby said he had been officially informed that the committee of management of the Waterside Workers’ Federation had carried a motion that a telegram be sent to each branch of the federation, informing members that the overtime embargo had been lifted and instructing them to resume work under th e terms of the award. Another resolution had been carried, under which the committee of management advised members to carry out the award and see that its terms were enforced. Judge Beeby pointed out that the Court would not view these resolutions as mere formality. If there was any doubt as to the sincerity of the committee of management or as to its control over members, the Court would refuse to hear it. Further, he warned the union that the Court was of opinion that substantial changes in the conduct of its affairs was necessary. Interference by vigilance officers must cease. The undertaking given to the Court must carry with it the abandonment of branch and local rules which were in conflict with the award. Restriction on the handling of cargo must cease. A new award would always be open to both parties and an endeavour would bo made to visit all important ports in Australia, so that a thorough understanding of the conditions could be obtained. If the final award failed to , reach the requirements of the union, then the union must be prepared to face an application for its deregistration. Commenting on the present dispute. Judge Beeby said there had been no doubt the owners had been compelled to tie up their ships. He also was convinced that the pick-up issue had never been comprehensively dealt with in the Arbitration Court. He then announced tjbat he would make an interim award for three months. This would be on the basis of the present award and the existing pick-up conditions. The Court would take the case out of the hands of the Board of Reference and would' investigate conditions at every nort itself. He was prepared to go on with the hearing of the case next week.

POINTS IN DISPUTE. Mr Morris, for the watersiders, said ho would like Judge Beeby. if possible, to fix the question of one pick-up. ' Judge Beeby replied that he was not going to say anything about that. All he was going to say about the future movements of the Court with regard to that question was contained in the statement he had previously given. The pick-up question would be put before him because it was a burning issue, and he thought it not advisable to enter into a general discussion thereon. What he had done had to be considered by both parties. Mr Elford, for the owners, asked: “Is this award completed' or is it merely a notice to the parties? Will they not have time to consider it?’’ Jud.'je Beeby replied in the negative. He had made this award on the question of the pick-up. Mr Elford said they had counsel’s opinion that an award could not be made without the parties being heard. . Judge Beeby replied that he was not going to enter that controversy. There were moments of grave emergency when the Court must act. After serious consideration, he was convinced he had done the best thing under the circumstances. It was in no way prejudiced, the matter being thoroughly investigated. Il simply put the position where it was when it started. The hearing of the case was adjourned sine die. UNSATISFACTORY TO OWNERS. Shipowners are dissatisfied with Judge Beeby’s award, 'which they contend means that for the next three months there will be two nickups in Sydney, where they had previously been observed, but only one in Melbourne and other capital cities, where the one pick-up had been the rule. They claim that one pi»k-up is non-observance of the award, and they want two pick-ups generally enforced. Shipowners announce that they have considered Judge Beeby’s judgment and have come to a decision thereon, which has been cabled to all overseas interests concerned. They are waiting for a reply. WATERSIDERS CONTENTED. The management committee of the Watersiders’ ' Federation expresses satisfaction with the Court’s award and claims that the men have won Llieir point regarding one pick-up. They have telegraphed the officers of the federation in all ports, instructing members to offer for work tomorrow morning and to see that the award is strictly carried out on both sides. Sydney men are instructed to offer for two pick-ups. ,THE WATERSIDERS’ DECISION. Sydney, December 7. At a mass meeting of Sydney Vatersiders this afternoon, an overwhelming majority accepted the management committee’s recommendation to lift the overtime strike. The men will present themselves for work to-morow morning. The meeting showed the Sydney branch of the federation to be still strongly opposed to the double pickup. It was resolved that their officials collect all possible data for pesentation to Judge Beeby in support of their case against it. Representatives ol shipowners in Sydney favour the opinion that London representatives will accept settlement as laid down b’ Judge Beeby.