#OnThisDay 16 August 1890 the Australian Maritime Dispute, more commonly known as the Maritime Strike, began when officers and seamen walked off their ships in Sydney. This marked the beginning of a strike that lasted until November 1890. The Mercantile Marine Officers' Association called for the strike over outstanding pay and work condition claims. The strike soon spread to wharf labourers, gas stockers, coal miners and wool shearers in Victoria and Queensland and to New Zealand. The strike also marks the first time military units were deployed against the strikers in NSW and Victoria.
Source: National Museum of Australia
Related
From the Collection
Browse photos and records related to wharves, ships, maritime etc.
