DIRECT ACTION DESIGNS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1921, Page 3

DIRECT ACTION DESIGNS

—*♦«)► iiatgiif\'g a big scheme. AN AUSTRALIAN .MOVE. U'STUALIAN AND N.Z, ( ABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received this day at 1.30 p.ni.) SYDNEY, February 23. The "Herald” states at the recent All , Unions Conference held in Melbourne a scheme was prepared on behalf of the Sydney Unions embodying the greatest concentrated effort ever attempted to compel the concession of their demands. The immediate objectives wer c to compel the shipowners to abandon their demands for guarantees for the peaceful working of the shipping indus- | try. Secondly, to compel the Victorian Government to accept the award of the coal tribunal governing the Monvell coal scheme; Thirdly, the abolition of the bureau system of engaging wharf labourers by the Oversea Shipowners. The Herald says it is understood owing to the presence of a certain Union known to have a leaning towards arbitration, the discussions were carried on by private conversations, and tho decisions communicated only to those Unions known to he favourable to-di-rect action. The principal Unions involved are the Colliery Employees. Federation of Seamens and Whnrf Labourers, 'Coal Trimmers, Coal Lumpers and tho Union associated under the Transport Workers Federation. The arguments used in favour of the scheme were that the present shipping and other troubles were being used by the employers as a direct challenge to unionism and that the employers were importing men learned in strike breaking to assist and advise them. The Herald adds the organisers of the scheme have been instructed to eon- - fine tile actual strikes to New South . Wales, the anticipation being that the cutting’ off of coal supplies would cause , a general hold-up of industry in Mel- ; bourne, and it will achieve more than a | general strike, without the possibility of the Victorian Government formulating retaliatory measures.