Collection of 62 documents relating to the Australian Stevedoring Industry Authority
Date1970 - 1978
Object numberANMS1363
NameArchive series
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Carol O'Connor
DescriptionThis collection consists of 62 papers from Bernard James O'Connor during his period as the Director of the Australian Stevedoring Industry Authority (ASIA). The papers refer to the issues surrounding Pacific Island Cargo Receival, restructuring of the Stevedoring Industry and statistics relating to the industry. This series consists of one copy of a telex; four newspaper articles; one ASIA booklet; one legal Judgment; three submissions; one statement of refund; one Waterside Workers' Federation of Australia memo; four tables regarding labour activity; three typed lists; two declarations; two reports; five with compliments cards and letters; two documents regarding labour; five notes of meetings, conferences and employees; and 27 letters relating to Pacific Islands Cargo Receivals, restructuring, the future of the Stevedoring Industry and employment.HistoryThe Australian Stevedoring Industry Authority was set up in 1956 as a body corporate to regulate the performance of stevedoring operations. It comprised a chairman, an employer representative and a trade union representative. In 1970 the Authority was reconstituted with the addition of a Director. In 1978, after considerable reform of waterfront organisation, the Authority was terminated. Most of its functions went to the Association of Employers of Waterside Labour. Its assets and liabilities went to the Stevedoring Industry Finance Committee.
Bernard James O'Connor had been Chief Legal Officer and Industrial Officer with the Stevedoring Industry Board, forerunner of the Authority, since 1954. He then became Solicitor to the Authority, and was appointed Director in 1970 when that position was established. He remained Director until the Authority was wound up in 1978.
During this period the Australian waterfront industry underwent vast changes. In the 1950s and 1960s the Waterside Workers' Federation won many victories through industrial action, including control of hiring labour, while wharf labourers' awards and conditions were greatly increased and improved. In the 1970s with changing trade and the introduction of containerisation, the industry and its operations were reformed under the powers of the Australian Industry Authority.SignificanceThis collection chronicles Bernard O'Connor's tenure as Solicitor and then Director of the Australian Stevedoring Industry Authority through a period of massive change on the Australian waterfront.