1998 water front dispute:how it could be avoided

Introduction

Waterfront dispute is one of the biggest and the most important disputes in the history of Australia. The waterfront dispute of 1998 was an incredible tale of legal drama, violent confrontation, strange alliances, betrayals, family difference and nefarious deceit. The stakes were high: the economic viability of the company at the centre of the dispute, Patrick Stevedores, was at risk; the government was pursuing a cornerstone of its labour market reform and the breaking of unionisation on the docks; the Maritime Union of Australia and it’s supporter’s, were fighting for survival and the principle of freedom of association: the right to join a union and not be sacked for it. Everyone involved in this dispute faced problems. This dramatic battel between MUA and Patrick Stevedores represented the first major trial of strength between government and the unions.

As said by Tom Sheridan “History is important in understanding labour relations, particularly in those s...