STEWARDS’ STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1921, Page 2

STEWARDS’ STRIKE

AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. SYDNEY, Jan. 2d, It is estimated that the stewards lost £40,000 in wages by the strike, while the losses of the waterside and other associated unions directly or indirectly, involved over £700,000. One of the inducements which led to the ending of the strike was the advocacy b,v the Transport Workers’ Federation that stewards should join the seamen in what is known as the jo!) control system. This proposal is that committees representing all branches be formed on each steamer and when it is decided by tin* Transport Workers Federation they shall make certain demands otherwise the steamer concerned would not sail.

It was proposed to put the system into operation ns soon as shipping is again in full swing. An official statement issued from the Trades Hall explains that the job control committee will act independently on each Snip and without reference to the various unions represented. Amongst the suggested methods.of the system are the “go-slow” policy and

“irritation” strikes and in some cases stewards supplying food meant for saloon to third class passengers and vice-versa.

The ship-owners are considering the position. They view “job control” with disfavour and it is unlikely they will accept the conditions which the job system contemplates. BRISBANE, Jan. 25. The stewards have voted to resume unconditionally. MELBOURNE. Jan. 25.

So far there is no resumption of the inter-State service. The shipowners are waiting till all branches of the Stewards’ Union announce their intentions. The Seamen’s Union discussed a letter from the owner.? in regard to the practice of holding stop-work meetings and decided in future to hold stop-work meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. This is regarded as a direct challenge to the owners.