Activist Register

Date1998

Object number00003083

NameSign

MediumInk on paper, laminate

DimensionsOverall: 220 x 310 mm, 0.014 kg
Display Dimensions: 220 x 330 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Maritime Union of Australia

Terms

DescriptionThis 'Activist Register' was established in response to the 1998 Maritime Union waterfront dispute at Port Botany, when Patrick Stevedores sacked all Maritime Union members on its wharves. Patrick Stevedores obtained an injunction from the Federal Court to prevent the Maritime Union from picketing its terminals so the picket was then claimed to be a community demonstration independent of the Union.HistoryOn 7 April 1998 Patrick Stevedores sacked all Maritime Union members on its wharves and hired new workers. The issues were staffing levels, work practices, and rights to union membership. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) picketed Patrick's wharves around Australia to stop non-union workers getting in to do their jobs. Patrick obtained injunctions against MUA pickets bu the union ignored them, claiming the pickets were community demonstrations outside its control. A series of court cases resulted in MUA members returning to work on May 9. They agreed to some redundancies and new work practices. The union later produced a commemorative 'Strike Pack'.SignificanceThis leaflet is significant in documenting the Maritime Union of Australia picket at Port Botany and in showing the support they received from other unions.