WATERSIDE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1928, Page 1

WATERSIDE TROUBLE

STRIKE COLLAPSES

NEW AWARD GOES TO CONFERENCE. (Australian Press Association.) MELBOURNE, Sept. IG. Following on the decision of tho shipowners to engago free labour, after Monday ,if the strike wero not settled, a meeting of tho watersiders decided to return to work at all ports under the new Award. The Victorian Premier, Hon Mr Hogan, lias called a conference of the shipowners and the watersiders to discuss the new Award. Work will bo resumed at all ports on Monday.

SYDNEY, Sept. IG. The waterside strike sensationally collapsed. A conference* of tlio Waterside Workers’ Federation in Melbourne has decided by 47 votes to 22 to instruct the members at all ports to resume work under the terms of the now Award on Monday. 'Die decision was only reached after a hot debate, the militants attempting to prolong the strike. The main factors which decided the men to return were the owners’ determined attitude and a threat to engage free labour, while another cause for the speedy termination of tho strike was a shortness in the funds of the watersidors to carry on the war.

QUEENSLAND WAT EItSI D Ell S. SYDNEY, Sept. 16. The Queensland delegates to the Melbourne Watersiders’ Conference have refused to accept the ruling of the Conference to resume work, stating that they would not recommence work except under the old State Award. This attitude may prevent the resumption of work to-morrow. The shipowners may insist on the observance of the Beeliy Award in Queensland prior to the resuming of work in the other ports. Hon Mr Hogan, Premier of Victoria, has arranged a conference with the shipowners to discuss this aspect of the strike. Although lasting only a week, the strike cost the country over a million sterling.