Dock labourers in Limerick halted their work once again on Monday morning, protesting against the appointment of a new foreman overseeing the unloading of the steamship Malachite, which arrived at the quayside on Thursday night carrying a shipment of coal destined for Messrs. Mullack and Sons on Henry Street.

The dispute arose when the dockworkers refused to carry out their duties under the newly appointed foreman, leading to a standstill in the unloading operations. The cargo-laden steamer remained untouched throughout the day on Monday, as negotiations between the workers and the authorities took place to resolve the impasse.

The primary concern of the labourers was the replacement of the original foreman, causing dissatisfaction among the workers. The disagreement left the vessel idle, with the coal cargo undischarged, impacting the timely delivery of the goods to its intended recipients.

Efforts were made by the relevant parties to address the grievances, and a resolution was reached late in the evening. The dock labourers agreed to return to work, and the unloading of the Malachite is scheduled to resume this morning. The compromise allows for a continuation of the cargo-handling operations, ensuring that the flow of goods in and out of the port is restored to normalcy.

The strike, albeit brief, drew attention to the challenges faced by dock labourers in Limerick, shedding light on issues related to workplace conditions and personnel management. The port, a crucial hub for trade and commerce in the region, experienced a temporary disruption in its operations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and collabouration between the workers and management.

The incident underscores the delicate balance required to maintain smooth operations in the maritime sector, where disputes can have far-reaching consequences. As the dock labourers resume their duties, it remains to be seen whether the concerns that led to the strike will be adequately addressed, or if further negotiations will be necessary to prevent future disruptions.

In the heart of Limerick, the ebb and flow of port activities are closely monitored by local businesses and residents alike. The resolution of this recent labour dispute marks a return to business as usual, with the hope that lessons learned from the incident will contribute to a more harmonious working relationship between the dock labourers and the management overseeing the bustling port of Limerick.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 01 March 1913