AUSTRALIAN STRIKES

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1926, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN STRIKES

TROUBLE WITH CRANE DRIVERS. NEGOTIATIONS REOPENED. By Telegraph—Pious Awn.—Copyright. Sydney, Dec. 1. As the result of the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Industry, Mr. Baddeley, negotiations for the settlement of the erane-drivere’ strike were reopened. Mr. Baddeley met rpresentatives of the crane-drivers and their representatives of the Railway Commissioners, and afterwards attended a conference of both parties. A proposal was submitted to the Minister by the Commissioners and, after discussion, it was decided by the crane-drivers, representatives to submit the proposal to a mass meeting of the strikers at Newcastle to-day. Should the strike continue a weolt 15,000 miners will be forced out of employment, together with the seamen employed on the colliers. Many' union officials express the opinion that the strike will be short. They contend that a strike would lead to such dislocaion of shipping and mining as to break under its own weight. Among the vessels held up at Newcastle are the Rona, Ultimata and Whangape.

WATERSIDERS’ STRHvE. OTHER UNIONS CONCERNED. Received Dec. 2, 1.25 a.m. Sydney, Dec. 1. A meeting of the marine transport group of unions considered the serious position which has arisen throughout the Commonwealth as a result of the “no overtime” strike of the watereiders. 9he action of the wharf labourers was the subject of bitter argument, the seamen stating they would have to forfeit a large sum of money which was given as a guarantee to the Industrial Commissioner that they would not participate in a strike when granted reregistration. The meeting ultimately adjourned to Monday next, when the whole matter will be referred to the Federal Disputes Committee. Received Dee. 1, 11.10 p,m. Sydney, Dec. 1. Although the meeting of the Newcastle crane drivers has not definitely settled the strike, the outlook is considerably brighter. The meeting appointed a deputation to wait on Mr. Baddeley, Minister of Labour, and it is anticipated that work will be resumed in a few days. There are now twenty-five collieries idle. MELBOURNE SUPPORTS STRIKE. Melbourne, Dee. 1. As the result of the Newcastle crane drivers’ strike 500 men employed on Melbourne Harbour Trust dredges and tugs have given t week’s notice and, unless the (“rouble is overcome in the meantime, will eease work on Saturday. ENGINE Mil VERS’ POSITION. Melbourne. Dee. 1. The engine-drivers’ and firemen employed at the main power-house decided to adjourn consideration of the proposal that they should join the Yallourn strikers. The position is still very serious, but while the enginedmers refuse to join the strike it is possible for normal supplies to be maintained for about three weeks. UNION DEFIES THE COURT. STRIKE TO BE CONTINUED. Received Dec. 1, 10.5 p.m. Melbourne, Dee. 1. The Watersiders’ Federation defied Judge Beeby, of the Federal Arbitration Court, and declined to end the overtime strike. This decision has led to a complete stalemate in the dispute.