WHARF LABOURERS’ STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9094, 13 March 1908, Page 5

WHARF LABOURERS’ STRIKE.

SHIPPING AT A STANDSTILL,

Press Association. —Copyright. Eoeivecl March 12, 10.58 p.m. Sydney, March 13

Tho strike has almost entirely paralysed tho shipping trade in tho port, over 3000 wharf labourers having ceased work as a protest against the North Coast Steam Navigation, Newcastle and Hunter River and Illawarra Companies employing non-unionists. These three companies pay wharf labourers Is inffl per hour for day and Is 4*.£d per hour for night work, while other companies pay Is lldd and Is Sd.

Trouble with the three companies named has existed since January, when the Unionists employed by them struck for the rates given by the iuter-State Companies. These men have grievances against the others, but they object to the charge of helping the coastal companies in their fight against the Unionists on strike by touching cargo which the uon-Uuionists have handled.

A general strike was decided upon to bring matters to a crisis in the hope of forcing the recognition of their claims. The officials of the Wharf Labourers’ Union express regret that the strike should affect the inter-State companies, but urge that it is the only method of reaching a settlement. A meeting of the steamship owners was held this morning. Subsequently representatives of the Wharf Labourers’ Union met, when the owners officially informed them of their decision.

The men and the owners met again this afternoon, and discussed the situation.

A Gongala Strike Committee has been appointed, and the wharves are picketed. Everything is orderly and quiet.

The men express themselves as determined to fight to a finish, and claim that they are sure of the support of the other Unions.

The Newcastle Wharf Labourers have struck in sympathy with the Sydney strikers. Receied March 18, 11 a.m. Sydney, March 13. There are many rumours as to the strike developments. There was a meeting yesterday of the Board of Conciliation consisting of representatives of the Interstate Steamship Owners’ Association, and Waterside Workers Unions. It is understood that the men asked the owners to bring pressure to bear on certain companies refusing their cargoes, but this was declined. The Coastal Companies state that they are determined to continue working, with casual and other', hands. Tne men state there is no fear of free labour being engaged to take the place of the strikers, and assert that if non-unionists, or seamen are employed to work the cargo, the Carters’ and Seamens’ Union will join the strike.