DOCKERS’ STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1924, Page 3

DOCKERS’ STRIKE.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION „jNO RESUMPTION VET. LONDON, February 22. Directly tbo proposed strike scttlcMK'iii was ‘ announced, telegrams were smt to all parts of Britain, calling the dockers’ delegates to London to agree to tlie terms. They met in the evening. Their discussion was far from unanimous regarding tbo .settlement. Many of the delegates, especially those from Glasgow, Manchester ami the Tine, argued that the men would he dissatisfied unless they got the whole two shillings immediately.

Despite Mr Bovin's argument and -Mr Ben Tillctt's eloquence, the meeting, refused l to accept the * settlement, though the London, Bristol, Southampton, and Hull delegates generally supported the loaders.

As no immediate decision wi.,s likely, the conference ‘adjourned. Later, Mr Bevin announced that tin: stiike would continue until tile delegates returned to their districts.

STEVEDORES ON STRIKE. LONDON. February 22. The chief difficulty remaining in London is the stevedores, whose, demand for an increase of 2s Cd per day is not vet decided. They ask for a separate agreement, as the officials say that they will not he dragged behind Mr Bevin. Without the stevedores, no ships can bo unloaded, or cargoes stowed, so they are the key workers. 'Hie Stevedores’ "Union, however, has hut few members outside of London.

LONDON, February 22

The provisional terms for the dock settlement are exactly the same as those which Air Tom Shaw, the Minister of Labour, proposed to both sides before the strike began.

OUTLOOK FAVOURABLE. LONDON. February 21

There is a, more favourable outlook for an endorsement of the strike settlement in view of the fact that the dockers at Manchester, Salford and Newcastle instructed their delegates to accept nothing less than an immediate 2s advance, and the deossiialisation of wharf labour.

LA BOER MINISTER’S I’ART. LONDON, February 21

Mr MacDonald in the House of Commons, paid a tribute to the Hon. Mr Shaw’s skill and patience in

handling the dispute. He Imped that it would ho finally settled tonight, so as to permit of the resumption of work to-morrow.

END OF CASUAL WORK. LONDON, February 21

Mr Bevin, at the meeting of the dockets’ delegates, explained the draft agreement. He emphasised that the charter, when properly applied meant the end of casual employment. It meant pay for the men, who, through no fault of their own, might he .standing idle. He urged the members in the country to suspend judgment until the delegates have returned to the ports v-itli tlu‘ fullest facts. Mr Ben Tilled declared that the agreement was a compromise. The leaders, having recommended it, would support it.