SHIPPING STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1927, Page 2

SHIPPING STRIKE

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN"., COPYRIGHT. A DEADLOCK ANTICIPATED. SYDNEY, Nov. 29. In anticipation of a possible lailmc of the negotiations lor the waterside strike to-morrow, agents are making strenuous efforts to get vessels away, and a number of overseas steamers are hurrying loading to prevent being tied

up. Lnioii circles agree that unless the watersiders agree to the shipowners ultimatum, there will be a deadlock, the owners being determined. The Sydney branch of the Seamen’s Union to-day discussed the position, lint failed to reach any decision as to their attitude.

The Kiwitea is coming to Sydney where the crew will he paid off.

SEAMEN’S SUPPORT. MISLBOURNE, Nov. 29

Wharf labourers and stevedores will offer for tvork as usual to-morrow morning, hut only on the conditions now prevailing. They will give no guarantees. This is in accordance with the instructions of the Watersiders’ Federation Management Committee which is waiting to see what tactics the owners adopt to-morrow, before making a further move.

A meeting of the Melbourne branch of the Seamen’s Union adopted a resolution declaring that the seamen did not want to strike, hut if the shipowners forced the dispute, they demanded that a common policy between the seamen and watersiders he adopted, and that all ships overseas and inter-Statc throughout Australia he declared black.

Tt also was resolved that until such time as the tactics employed to assist the watersiders in their fight for better conditions, are decided upon, members of the Seamen’s Union perform their usual shipboard duties.

A meeting of shipowners drew up a list of rules which have been disregardI by the Watersiders and upon which the owners now will insist. 11 the men agreed toilie conditions and afterwards infringe any award conditions, the owners will stop all work or any particular ship or group of ships and tie them up. CANBERRA. Nov. 29. In the Senate, Senator Ogden moved an adjournment to call attention to the watersiders’ strike. Condemning the men’s attitude, he said the union should be forced to comply with awards. The Federal Government should exercise every power it possesses, and meet force with force and make these men obey the law. He asked were a few men to he allowed t> bring industrial depression and hardship upon the community. If lie had the power he would de-register them and remove them from the protection of the could.