SHIPPING STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1927, Page 2

SHIPPING STRIKE

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT,

JUDGE BLAMES WATERSIDERS MELBOURNE, Dec. 7.

When the watersiders’ dispute was mentioned in the Arbitration Couit, Judge Beeby said that he bad been officially informed that the Committee of Management of the Waterside Workers’ Federation had Carried a motion that a telegram be sent to each branch Of the Federation informing members that the overtime embargo bad been lifted, and instructing them to resume work under the terms of the aw aid. Another resolution had lieeii carried, under which the Committee of Management advised members to cniij out the ilward, aiid sde that its terms were enforced: Judge Beeby {minted out that the Court”woiild Hot view these resolutions as a mere formality. If there was any doubt as to the sincerity of Die Committee of Management, or as to its control over its members, the Court would refuse to hear it further. He warned the Union that the Court was of the opinion that substantial changes in the conduct of its affairs was necessitated. Interference by vigilant officers must cease, and the undertaking given to the Court must carry with it the abandonment of branch and local rules which were in conflict with the award,'and restrictions on the handling of cargo must cease. The new award would always be open to both parties, and an endeavour would be made to visit all the important ports of Australia, so that a thorough understanding of conditions could be obtained. D the final award failed to reach the icquirements of the Union, then the Union must be prepared to face an application for its deregistration. Commenting on the present dispute. Judge Beeby said that there had been no doubt that the owners bad been compelled to tie up their ships. He was also convinced that the pick-up issue had never been comprehensively dealt with in the Arbitration Court. He then announce it that lie would make an interim award for three months. This would be on the basis of the pre sent award and the existing pick-up conditions. The Court would take the case out of the bands of the Board of Reference and would investigate the conditions at every port itself. Ho was prepared to go on with Die bearing ol the ease next week.

AV. Morris, for rile watersiders, said ho would like Judge Beeby if possible to fix up the question of one pick-up. Judge Beeby said that be was not going to say anything about-that. All lie was going to say ahout the future movements of the Court with regaid to that question was contained in the statement that he had previously given. The pick-up question would he put before him because it was a burning issue, and be thought it was not advisable to enter into a general discussion thereon. AYhat lie had done had to he considered by both parties. Al.r El ford, for the owners, asked • “Is this award completed or is it merely a notice to the parties? Will they not have time to cosider it? ” Judge Beeby replied: No. He had made this award on the question ol the pick-up. Air El ford said they had counsel’s opinion that an award could not lie made without the parties being beard. Judge Bcebv replied that be was not going to enter that controversy. There were moments of grave controversy when tbo Court must act. After serious consideration, be was convinced that lie bad done the best thing under the circumstances. It in no wav prejudiced the matter being thoroughly investigated. it simply put the position where it was when they started.

The bearing of the case was adjourned sine die. The shipowners are dissatisfied with

Judge Beeby’s award, which they contend means that for the next three months, there will be' two pickups In Sydney, where they were previously observed, but only one in A 1 el bourne,

and other capital cities, where one pick-up as been the rule. 1 hey claim that one pick-up is a non-observance of the award, and want two pick-ups generally enforced. The shipowners announce that they have, considered Judge Beeby’s judgment, and come to a decision thereon, which will he cabled to all overseas interests concerned. They are waiting a reply. The Management Committee of the Watersiders’ Federation express satisfaction with the Court’s award, and claim that they won their point regarding the one pick-up, excepting in Sydney. They have telegraphed officers of the Federation in all ports, instructing members to offer for work to-morrow morning, and to see that the award is strictly carried out on both sides. The Sydney men were instructed to offer for two pickups. MELBOURNE, Dec. 7. After the meeting of the Arbitration Court in the forenoon, it was announced that the watersiders would return to work on the present award conditions, including two pickups, pending consideration of the case.

SYDNEY WORKERS’ ACQUIESCE. SYDNEY, Dec. 7. A mass meeting of Sydney watersiders this afternoon, by an overwhelming majority, accepted the Management Committee’s recommendation to lift the ovortime strike. The men will present themselves for work to-morrow morning. The meeting showed that the Sydney Branch of the Federation is still strongly opposed to the double pickup, and resolved that their officials collect all possible data for presentation to Judge Beehy, in support of their case against it. Representatives of the Shipowners in Sydney favour the opinion that the London representatives will accept the settlement as laid down by Judge Reebv.

PREPARING TO RESUME. SYDNEY, Dec. 8. The steamer Waikouniti which has been hold up by the strike left Sydney for Newcastle to-night with her original crew. She returns to Sydney to finish loading. Oversea steamers which since the strike.have been lying in the stream were getting up steam to-niglit in readiness to come up to the wharves in the morning. SYDNEY, Dec. 8.

Representatives of -overseas companies declare they believe authority wil he given to commence work. They hold a meeting at seven to-morrow morning to receive replies from their head offices to the cable sent by shipowners from Melbourne to London today. The watersiders claim if the shipowners decline to accept the labour offering to-morrow morning, the men will be in a position to claim a lockout and to again approach the Aribtration Court; also to declare it any company engages free labour that a general strike will follow. STRIKE ENDS. (Received this dav at 9.30 0.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 8. An official statement by the overseas shipowners announces they have received cabled advice accepting the conditions laid down by Judge Beehy and work will he resumed to-dav. The strike lasted seven days ar.J affected morn than fifty thousand workers, and resulted in a loss of wages of approximately £ISO ? OQQ<