Dictionary of Sydney
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  4. Waterside Workers Federation

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Waterside Workers Federation

Industrial organisation

Trade union established in 1902 to representing wharf labourers. It became part of the Maritime Union of Australia in 1993 when it amalgamated with the Seamen's Union of Australia.

Milestone
Formed
1902
Merged into
Maritime Union of Australia
1993
Position
Member
Maynard, Fred
Member
Hughes, William Morris (Billy)
1902 - 1916
Property
Comprises
Gang 364
Type
Industrial organisation

The Wharfies' Film Unit

CC BY-SA 2.0
by
Lisa Milner
,
2014
supported by
City of Sydney - Cultural Ribbon Foreshore Histories Project

In the 1950s, workers rights extended beyond wages and conditions to include cultural events and creative activities. The Waterside Workers' Federation Film Unit set about documenting the lives of workers and their families, their communities and organisations. From 1953–58, they made 19 films tackling subjects that the government film unit and newsreel producers would never touch: housing shortages, price control, the cost of living for ordinary Australians and reasons behind industrial disputes.

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