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The Daily Worker
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
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In Sydney, Australia, the Waterside Workers Federation secured a major victory after a weeks-long strike, forcing shipowners to employ only union labor and dismissing non-union workers. Prime Minister Bruce mediated the agreement amid strong union solidarity.
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WIN SWEEPING VICTORY OVER
SHIPOWNERS, NOT ONE SCAB
By W. FRANCIS AHERN
(Federated Press Staff Correspondent)
SYDNEY, Australia, Jan. 30.—After a fight lasting several weeks over the union shop on the waterfront at Australian ports, the Waterside Workers Federation has forced the shipowners to throw the non-unionists out of their jobs and employ only union labor supplied by the federation.
It was a magnificent victory for the waterside workers, due entirely to wonderful solidarity. Of the 49 branches of the Waterside Workers Federation, all obeyed the strike call. Not one unionist scabbed. In some cases the ports were completely closed and steamers ceased calling during the strike.
Solidarity Beat Bosses.
Coastal shipping was not affected, as these vessels always employ union labor. The fight was against the overseas shipping companies who set up an agency for engaging non-union labor to break the federation. Ships were held at every port.
When it was seen that the union could not be beaten, the prime minister, Bruce, called a conference of the union and the shipowners. After two days' haggling the shipowners admitted defeat and signed as requested.
Capitalist Press Raves.
The capitalist press shrieked its head off about direct action, and bitterly commented on the fact that direct actionists were strong enough to break the power of the shipowners.
Meanwhile the strikebreakers have been routed off the waterfront and the agency has been abolished.
The scabs are very angry at being turned adrift by the shipowners. They complain that the shipowners solemnly undertook to stand by them thru thick and thin and have now thrown them aside.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Sydney, Australia
Event Date
Jan. 30
Key Persons
Outcome
waterside workers federation victory; shipowners agree to employ only union labor; non-union workers dismissed; strikebreakers routed; agency abolished.
Event Details
After weeks of striking over union shop demands at Australian ports, the Waterside Workers Federation achieved solidarity across 49 branches, closing ports and halting ships. Overseas shipowners' attempts to use non-union labor failed. Prime Minister Bruce convened a conference, leading to shipowners' defeat and agreement to union terms.