"COCK-A-DOODLE-D0!”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 67, 27 March 1913, Page 5

"COCK-A-DOODLE-D 0!”

VICTORY FOR THE MEN. THE ECHO OF A STRIKE. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Sydney, March 26. Tho ferry strike has been settled. A 48 hours week has been conceded. The pay remains the same as at present for a 60 hours week. Overtime is to be at the rate of time and a quarter. There is to be no victimisation on either side. The whole of the services were resumed at four o’clock.

The city was informed by a long outdrawn “cock-a-doodlc-do,” starting at Circular Quay and being taken up in turn by the various steamers swinging idly at the ferry wharves since the strike commenced. The tidings were spread and echoed round the harbour for a quarter of an hour.

TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT. The men are jubilant over the resumption and the terms of the agreement. These provide for a 96 hours ordinary working fortnight; one week not to comprise more than 55 hours; overtime to the extent of twelve hours weekly on ordinary working days to be paid at the rate of time and a quarter; Sundays and holidays, the overtime rate to be time and a half, with the other points previously mentioned. The agreement will come into force immediately on resumption, but an award for three years is to be made by the Wages Board on the basis of such agreement. Preference to unionists and all other clauses usual in awards for any industry are included.

Mr Holme, Industrial Registrar, acted as intermediary for the parties, and displayed ranch, judgment, smoothing points which at times threatened to block negotiations. THE FREE JOY RIDES. Before the settlement was reached the Sydney ferries started running. Free labor manned a boat from Circular Quay to Wilson’s Point. This caused excitement among the strikers, and led all the ticket collectors, excepting one to refuse duty. The attempt, was not very successful, the bulk of the public preferring the Government’s free joy rides. As the settlement came in eight the Government retreated from the field. SEASON' TICKET-HOLDERS. The ferry companies advertise that as set-off to the inconvenience caused to season ticket-holders, they will extend the tickets over a period equivalent to the strike. JOY IN MARITIME CIRCLES. (Received 8.20 a.m.) Sydney, March 27. The Secretary of the Ferrymen’s Union cjaims that it is the first victory obtained in maritime circles for 20 years, and breaks down the 60-hour system, which has long been a bone of contention among employees, who also derive various other advantages. The men are overjoyed at securing a 48-hour week while free labor has to go-