We will stand day and night, MUA
Date1998
Object number00003079
NamePlacard
MediumPencil, texta on paper
DimensionsOverall: 210 x 295 mm, 0.005 kg
Display Dimensions: 210 x 295 mm
Display Dimensions: 210 x 295 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Maritime Union of Australia
DescriptionThis placard is a child's drawing which states 'We will stand day and night, MUA'. It was used by Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) picketers in the 1998 Maritime Union waterfront dispute at Port Botany, when Patrick Stevedores sacked all Maritime Union members on its wharves. Primary school-aged children produced some placards in a children's tent at the Port Botany picket.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 placard illustrates an intriguing aspect of the Maritime Union of Australia's (MUA) picket at Port Botany during the 1998 maritime disputes.