Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union office clock

Maker ACELEC (Alan Cook Electrical Company)

Date1930-1960

Object number00009381

NameClock

MediumMetal, glass

DimensionsOverall: 80 mm, 2 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union of Australia

Terms

DescriptionThis wall clock came from the Federated Painters and Dockers Union office after they disbanded in 1991. The Painters and Dockers Union of Port Jackson was one of the large militant unions which began in the early 1900s.HistoryAt its inception in January 1900 the Painters and Dockers Union was called the Balmain Laborers' Union. By August 1900, it had changed its name to the Painters and Dockers' Union of Port Jackson, and eventually the Federated Painters and Dockers Union of Australia in 1909. The Union had strong connections with Balmain as most of its early members worked as casual or unskilled labourers at Morts Dock and Engineering Workshops in Balmain. The Union disbanded in 1991.SignificanceThis clock is an interesting object that documents the history of the infamous Federated Painters' and Dockers' Union official headquarters.