Port of Steel

The union rooms returned to port in March with National Secretary Paddy Crumlin opening the new Southern NSW branch building in Darcy Road, Port Kembla, overlooking the wharves and BHP -- a stone's throw from where Seamen's Union Secretary EV Elliot established the first seafarer's branch rooms in 1964.

Up until then SUA Vigilance Officer Snowy Webster would visit the port twice weekly and the pick up was at Customs House. After amalgamation the branch was centred in Wollongong in the WWF union rooms along with the Credit Union.

The wharfies have a long history in Port Kembla with port unions dating back to the turn of the century. The Wollongong branch affiliated with the Waterside Workers' Federation in 1916, winning international fame in 1937 for the Pig Iron Dispute (see p38).

"It's been a long time plan to return to our heartland," said Branch Secretary Mark Armstrong. "We've owned the land for over 20 years and always had a vision of building on it."

"This building reinforces the union's long term commitment to the port and the community," said Paddy Crumlin.

Wharfies, seafarers and officials joined the local mayor, Credit Union and Trades Hall representatives, union elders and activists in celebrating the opening of the new building.