SHIPPING STRIKE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10286, 22 May 1919, Page 5

SHIPPING STRIKE

MANY THOUSAND WORKERS INVOLVED MARKETS ALREADY AFFECTED. By TeleLTOPh—Press Association—Copyrlsht SYDNEY, May 21. It is estimated that the immediate effect of the seamen’s decision will be to throw sis thousand persons out of employment, and to paralyse coastal and inter-St-ato trade. The cessation of inter-Stato shipping will render idle ton thousand miners. As the seamen in tinea States have decided to strike, the union officials expect the trouble to spread to other States. It in understood that the seamen’s decision will not affect deep-sea shipping- . , The demands include a six-hour working day, increased wages, compensation for injuries received in the course of employment, compensation for the relatives of sailors dying of such injuries, and improved accommodation. The dislocation of shipping is already affecting the markets. Tasmanian potatoes have advanced 20s per ton. MELBOURNE WHARF LABOURERS’ ATTITUDE. MELBOURNE, May 21. Th* Federal Cabinet, will meet today to decide upon a course of action regarding the seamen’s strike. The Wharf Labourers’ and Seamen’s Conference reached no decision to join forces. The conference is not resuming. INTERVENTION DECIDED UPON. BY FEDERAL ARBITRATION COURT. tße'ceived May 21. 9.15 ’p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 21. On the application of the Controller of Shipping, the Federal Arbitration Court ha* decided to intervene in the shipping dispute, and" has called _ a compulsory conference of the parties for Monday next. The application was made on the grounds of public interest. j ‘ Tho unloading of a number of idle vessels has not so far been interfered with. Many carters and others dependent on shipping are already idle. ADELAIDE SEAMEN WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN STRIKE. (Received May 21. 9.15 p.m.) ADELAIDE. May 21. The local branch of the Federated Seamen's Union remains firm > in its intention not to participate in the strike, and has advised the West Australian branch to act similarly. PRICES ADVANCING FOR PRODUCE. (Received Mar 21. 9.50 mm.) SYDNEY, May 21.

In view of the strike and the probable shortage of supplies, there is tTTo keenest demand for all classes of produce, and prices are advancing.