SHIPPING STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1927, Page 3

SHIPPING STRIKE

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LABOUR OFFICIALS DESIRE. SYDNEY, Dec. 1. The officials of the Watersiders’ Federation had a long conference with the leaders of the Seamen’s Union, and it was decided that the overtime strike should not extend to the coastal ships. The officials declined to give the reasons why inter-State vessels should be free from the ovprtime embargo, but made it clear that the watersiders should not transfer inter-State cargo from coastaT vessels, which were loaded by nonmembers of the federation at coastal ports. If the watersiders refuse to work today in accordance with the shipowners’ terms, a number of steamers will be laid up and the crews paid off. In anticipation of a deadlock, the crews of four inter-State steamers have been given twenty-four hours’ notice, and other vessels will take similar action to-day if the trouble is not settled. MELBOURNE. Dec. 1. Tbe refusal of the watersiders to accept the terms of employment offered by the shipowners has idled nine vessels and in several cases the crews have been,paid off and ships tied up indefinitely. WOOL SALES POSTPONED. SYDNEY, Dec. 1. At Geelong the wool sale buyers refused to operate owing to the watersiders dispute and the sales were postponed until the following day. UNION COY’S POSITION. SYDNEY, Dec. 1. As the Union Company’s steamers do not work overtime, no trouble is anticipated in their getting away. It is rumoured that shipowners take a to-morrow morning. Men attending for the morning pick-up, will be asked if they are prepared to work right on. If they reply in the negative, they will not he put on toi day work. SERIOUS OUTLOOK. SYDNEY, Dec. 1. If the watersiders decide not lo take advantage of the owners leniency , in extending the period of the ultimatum to to-day it is anticipated m well informed circles that a strike approaching the proportion of the 1923 dispute will result. STRIKE MAY BE' SHORT. SYDNEY. Dec. 1. The officials at the Trades Hall express the opinion that the strike will be short-lived and probably result in the leaders of the Watersiders’ Federation capitulating, as the odds against

the men are overwhelming. The men fear if they continue to refuse work, an over-time call will be made for free labour, and with the present- amount of unemployed, owners will experience no difficulty in securing volunteers. The Seamen’s Union would refuse to man inter-State vessels loaded by volunteers. It is doubtful whether the crews of oversea ships would agreo to support the strikers, as the local wharf labourers refused to support them during the British Seamen’s Strike two vears ago. ADELAIDE, Dec. 1. The water-font is idle, following the refusal of the watersiders to give an undertaking to observe the awards and agreements. Seventeen vessels are idle and as a result seven carrying firms have given their employees several days’ notice of termination of employment. CHARTERING OF STEAMERS. LONDON, Nov. 30. The strike in Australia has brought wheat chartering business to a _ complete standstill,. shipowners declining to take the risk of sending steamers to Australia, with the possibility of their being held up.