MELBOURNE WHARF LABOURERS’ STRIKE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2882, 23 January 1886, Page 3

MELBOURNE WHARF LABOURERS’ STRIKE.

The matter in dispute between the Wharf Labourers’ Union and shipowners appears to be us follows: The Union had asked that eight hours be recognised as a day’s work—viz., from 7 a.m. to 5 p.ra. (two hours being allowed for meals) —and the rale of pay 10s per day, or Is 3d per hour; that eight hours should be recognised as a night’s work—viz., from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. (two hours being allowed for meals) —and the rate of wages 15s per night, or Is per hour; that an increase should be made in the price for discharging coal of 2d per ton during the day and 3d per ion during the night; that all men engaged for working the day be paid railway fare and half-time wages from the time they leave the wharf or railway station until the arrival at the ship about to be discharged, when full pay shall commence; and that New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Eight-hours Day be strict public holidays, but the pay to be doubled if it be found necessary to work on those days.

Ou receipt of a circular a meeting of shipowners was called, and it was unanimously resolved to invite the delegates of the union to meet a special committee of shipowners, and explain to them Ihe reasons for the increased demand. That invitation was accepted, and all the leasons which could be advanced in favour of the demand were listened to and considered at the conference. It was admitted by the union delegates that at the present price paid for the discharge of coal a labourer can and does earn Is 3d per hour at the wharf for daywork, and Is 9d for nightwork. It was also admitted that for work done in the day a man can and does earn 2s per hour by day. and 3s 3d per hour by night, these wages being exclusive of the proportion taken hy the stevedores. After considering the admissions and reasons advanced in favour of any further demand, the shipowners arranged for another conference with the union delegates, and then off ied to recognise the eight hquro’ principle, and [y pay

for overtime from 5 in the evenin'; to 7 in tlie morning; to pay Id per ton extra for the discharge of the coal at the wharf, which would equal the wages of Is 4-£d per hour per day, and Is lid per hour per night at the wharf, and to concede the holidays, and pay double time as demanded. These offers were discussed at three conferences, and it was fully expected that the offers would he accepted, but the union finally decided to adhere to the terms which they had proposed.