SHIPPING STRIKE IN SYDNEY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 102, 20 October 1911, Page 5

SHIPPING STRIKE IN SYDNEY

MEN DEMAND HIGHER WAGES. WIDESPREAD DEVELOPMENTS PROBABLE. Bjr Cable—Press Association—Copyright, Received 19, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, October 10. The wharf laborers employed in the coastal trade and on the inter-State wharfs, struck for an increase of wages to Is Od an hour and 2s 3d for overtime, the same rates as recently obtained by deep sea men. Several steamers are held up, including the Union Company's Paloona. Received 10, 6.5 p.m. Sydney, October 10. The strike is the outcome of a resolution carried a fortnight ago. The intention was to demand an increase, but no date was fixed to enforce it, and no official notification was given to the shipowners, to whom the strike came as a surprise. Only the vessels which arrived since last night are so far affected, those partially unloaded being completed. Negotiations are proceeding between the companies involved and the wharf laborers' officials. • STATEMENT BY THE OWNERS. Received lfl, 0.30 p.m. Sydney. October 10. The shipowners point out that les s than two months ago they levelled up the coastal wharf laborers' wages to those of deep sea laborers, viz., 15d per hour, and 2s overtime. The deep sea men claimed that they were entitled to higher rates than the coastal men, and 6ecured an advance to Is fid and 2s 3d, which the coastals now demand.

WHOLE INTER-STATE SHIPPING MAY BE AFFECTED. THE MEN VERY FIRM. Received 20, 1 a.m. Sydney, October 10. The principal companies so far affected by the strike are: Huddart Parker & Co., the Illawarra & South Coast Co., the Newcastle & Hunter River Co., and the Union Co. No attempt was made to unload vessels arriving to-day, and the policy of tying up arrivals will continue. Unless a settlement is speedily reached the whole coastal inter-State shipping will be brought to'a standstill. Everything is quiet. Both sides are reticent. The men are very firm in their demands. Negotiations are proceeding. The shipowners state they can do nothing until they have consulted their principals in the other States.

Important developments are probable within the next day or two. The Loongana and Kaitangata, Union Company steamers, are affected.