RAILWAY STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1925, Page 3

RAILWAY STRIKE

[Australia it N.Z. Cable Association.] ALL HANDS COMING OUT. BRISBANE, August 27. At a meeting, the .Metropolitan railwaymen following the lead of the Northern men, have decided to go on strike at mid-night. The whole state will now be involved in the strike, unless a settlement is reached lie fore mid-night. Tbe Northern and Central railway workers acted against the advice of their Union in striking, as the Executive asked them to wait until the Cabinet met before taking extreme action. At 'Rockhampton over two thousand are rendered idle, and many hundreds in other centres. So far the strike lias not affected the inter-State service. QUEENSLAND RAIL STRIKE. FIVE PER CENT INCREASE OFFERED. (Received this day at 10.25 a.m.) BRISBANE, August 28. At a conference between the Premier and representatives of the unions, the latter attacked the Australian Labour Party. The Premier announced the ■Government- had no objection to an increase in the basic wage, but wished to make it clear that it was of the opinion that any increase would apply to all workers in the States governed by tho awards of the Court. The unions should not approach the full bench of the Arbitration Court for a revision of the previous judgment. If this is done the Government will agree to an increase of five per cent, so far as Government employees are concerned, anil to a proportionate increase to those workers lietween the basic wage and £3OO per annum, who are not already provided for. After the announcement the representatives of the railway strike council withdrew as the railwaytuen’s vigilance committee had previously notified the Premier that it declined to meet the Cabinet if any unions, other than those of the railwayman, wore present at the conference. It insisted on the right of the railwayman only, to participate in the conference. Owing to the withdrawal of these delegates the conference was unable to roarli finality. At a late hour a letter was sent to the Premier by the strike council stating that after hearing the report of the delegates to the conference it was not entirely satisfied. While appreciating the Government’s offer to restore the five per cent, increase it was in accord with the method of doing so. It considered the Government should dispense with the formality of approaching the Court liy conceding the claims forthwith so as to assist towards a speedy settlement of the present dislocation.