File 208: Strikes - 1971, 1972, 1975, 1971-1975

MLMSS 9894/Box 491

file

1971-1975

9597759

The first file covers the period September-November 1971 and covers the industrial unrest brought about by pre-start overtime and economy measures introduced by the company.
It contains copies of articles from overseas publications; minutes of meetings held with the union, chapel and management; list of new starting times in various departments.
Reports on the cause of the dispute and inter-office memos on the situation. Details of press room performances.
Copy of letter to PKIU about "sabotage" tactics. List of personnel to be called in times of emergency.
Memo from the general manager to department heads giving details of the current dispute.
On May 17, 1972 printers from three newspapers went on strike over a new work agreement. They were out from May 6-12. Printers at the Australian went out on May 17 and the dispute quickly spread to all newspapers.
There are newspaper clippings on the two stoppages; statements from managements; paper sizes.
Correspondence with unions and reports of hearings. A chronological sequence of events during the PKIU April-May dispute. Pay arrangements.
Reports of hearings by the Industrial Commission and meetings with the Chapel.
Copy of letter from Sir Warwick Fairfax to Postmaster-General about mail copies of the papers being refused at the Redfern mail exchange and the blackban placed on all mail for Fairfax.
Memo from Sydney Morning Herald news editor criticising the decision made that the paper should print anything about the strike.
Thank you letters were sent to non-staff people for their help. Joint statement by Australian Journalists' Association and PKIU. Bonuses paid to staff.
The 1975 strike ran from March 13-April 4. It was brought about by the PKIU refusing to work overtime unless the company changed its policy on economic measures..
The file contains lists of people and the extra duties they did; keeping employees up-to-date on the strike.
Newspaper clippings, reports of hearings, union handouts. Copy of Industrial Commission's judgment disallowing the company's appeal against Mr Justice Cahill's order.
Report from publishing manager on output during the strike.
Letter to Rupert Murdoch seeking an appointment to discuss the question of what happens to Sydney newspapers during strikes.

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Original Fairfax number - 200.12/51