There were usually strikes when the cricket was on the radio but the best one Sydney dockers was going on strike for embarrassment money for unloading toilet pans,
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There were usually strikes when the cricket was on the radio but the best one Sydney dockers was going on strike for embarrassment money for unloading toilet pans,
Back in 70s we were discharging lube oil into road tankers in Wellington docks, also we were discharging drums but if it started to rain or even hinted at rain, work would stop.
As far as I can remember it was great for us as it was out of the dock gate and straight into town.
Melbourne dockers would go on strike just so they could have one.
But in Sydney in about 64 there was to be a Rugby test match played during the day.
Dockers wanted half day off to go see.
Shipping companies said no, so strike.
Eventually a compromise, loud speakers on the docks so they could listen while they worked.
Right said the union, that is great.
Come match time, all stopped work, sat down with a cold one and di nothing else for the day.
Ha ! Dockies Strikes in Aussie !!!
In 1961, I went there as a Deck App. on M.V. " Trecarne " with a load of knockdown Volks Wagens.
The dockies went on strike, demanding " Embarrassment Money " for discharging crated wcs.......Honest !!!
ATB
Laurie
I remember getting notification next port was Oz, check everything, change all the cargo runners, clean the winches etc etc, slightest sign of needling on the cargo runners, refuse to work the ship. In Walleroo they used to come aboard with a large Esky each, full of tinnies. That where we had acquired a bike, at knock off, on the bike pedal like mad to beat the 6 oclock swill, kt
Can you remember what the England team was and the score?
You could always bet on a long stay when the test cricket was on. The best excuse for a strike was in Sydney when the dockers went on strike for embarrassment money for unloading toilet pans,first time I found out Sydney dockers were so sensitive !
Terry Sullivan R340406
They once went on strike because the dock owners and ship owners would not close the docks for one afternoon so they could go to see a Rugby test match.
Back in the 60's it did not take much for Australian dock side workers to go on strike.