WAGES FIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1922, Page 5

WAGES FIGHT.

STRIKE IN AUSTRALIA. THE PASTORAL INDUSTRY. THOUSANDS AFFECTED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, May 24. The executive council of the Australian Workers’ Union has decided on a strike of the pastoral industry throughout the Commonwealth, excepting Queensland, which is working under a State award. Members have been instructed not to accept less than £2 per 100 for shearing, which is 5s more than Mr. Justice Power’s award. The executive has wired to the secretary of the Graziers’ Federal Council stating that it regards the award as impossible and is prepared to meet representatives of the graziers at a conference to discuss the question. The graziers replied that there was no necessity further to discuss the award, which was issued after fully hearing both sides on the conditions applying today. The graziers intend to observe the award and expected the union to do likewise. In a statement to the Press the graziers’ secretary remarked that arbitration was doomed if the shearers refused to abide by the first award against them. Received May 24, 11.15 p.m. Sydney, May 24. Fifty thousand pastoral workers will be affected by the shearers’ strike. Fears have been expressed that the strike will extend to the coal miners and other unions, but the Australian Workers’ Union officials state there is nothing to fear in this direction. STEELWORKS CLOSED. FOUR THOUSAND IDLE. FEAR OF DISTRESS. Received May 24, 11.15 p.m. Sydney, May 24. Four thousand men were rendered idle through the closing of the steelworks at Newcastle and the city of steel carries in every street an appearance of tragic desertion. If the works are closed for any length of time the distress will be very great, although the Government has commenced relief works. It is stated the company will not entertain any thought of recommencing until wages and the price of coal are much further reduced. PAY OF GAS WORKERS. Melbourne, May 24. The Metropolitan Gas Company refused a request by the union to discuss the rates of pay fixed by the award. A STRIKE ENDED. Melbourne, May 24 The electrical employees’ strike has been deciarea oit and work will be resumed to-day, conditional on an early hearing of the case by the Arbitration Court.