THE SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1919, Page 5

THE SHIPPING TROUBLE.

MTEAL TO THE UNION.

THE MEN'S GRIEVANCES.

Received Jan. 7, 8.60 p.nu

Sydney, Jan. 7. Inhis latter to the Seamen'# Union, tht manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, after dealing with the men's da* mands, says the company is anxious that no efforts on its part should be spared to arrive at a. settlement under the terms and conditions of the award. He asks the union's assistance in carrying out the award, and points out that as New Zealand ports are now clean, and other steamers besides the company's are affected, he cannot think it is altogether influenza that is causing the trouble. . The secretary of the union, replying, admits the inconvenience caused to a large number of the travelling public, but thinks the company should concede something outside the ordinary rates of pay, seeing the risk they might have to take. He refers to the alleged inconsider-' ate treatment of the crews of certain vessels, adding: "A little consideration shown these men might have assisted our endeavors to get men for your ships." Dealing with the question of claims for compensation for loss of personal effects where vessels were torpedoed in the war zone, also bonus and war badge matters | in which over two hundred men were affected, the secretary says: "As the of the way the men have been treated they will not take any more risk of promises, and I can't force them to take ships away." The letter concludes t "I think it is up to your company to make, an offer over and above the ordinary, rate of pay. Up to the present yoa have; done nothing, and if you seriously in- ' tend to have your ships running jrouji must show that you will coocedilpaoaxM** thing worthy of consideration* I

A VAGUE LETTER.

COMPANY'S CONCILIATORY SPIRIi

Sydney, Last Night.

A further letter from the manager ot • the Union Company to the secretary of the Seamen's Union describes the latter's letter hs vague as to wliat the men are actually asking for, but points out that the company has already conceded additional pay in accordance with tha latest award made three weeks ago. The manager says no official demand had been made in regard to insurances, but he has no doubt this obstacle will easily he overcome He re-asserts that New Zealand ports arc now clean, and traverses the statements regarding the alleged inconsiderate, treatment of certain crews, and concludem—-' i'li ■ company can sea no reason why it, should comply with the" suggest'on to make an offer above the ordinary wages. It thinks the offer already made a fair one, but if you think any good purpose will be served,-will lie pleased to meet you in conference to discuss tTie position. However, as we are complying witfr the award, it is due to you to say definitely in what way it should lie exceeded."