Story: Strikes and labour disputes

Wellington watersiders’ banner

Wellington watersiders’ banner

Watersiders (‘wharfies’) have traditionally worked in close-knit teams, doing hard and often dangerous work, vital to the export economy. Their close bonds encouraged union activity, and wharfies have been prominent in all of New Zealand’s main industrial disputes. This banner, for the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union, shows the dates of the three biggest disputes. The globe and linked hands symbolise solidarity with unions overseas.

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Maritime Union of New Zealand
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith

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How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Strikes and labour disputes - Arbitration and strikes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/20465/wellington-watersiders-banner (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 11 Mar 2010, updated 1 Mar 2016