"Bloody Thursday"

"On July 5 every year all West Coast Ports in the United States are closed as longshore workers remember "Bloody Thursday".  

On July 5, 1934, Police and thugs savagely attacked striking longshore workers and their supporters. Dozens of workers were injured and two were killed. 

Out of this battle the ILWU was formed, led by an expatriate Australian, Harry Bridges. 

The ILWU today is one of the truly great Unions of the world. 

The ILWU's role in supporting our Union during the Patrick's lockout of 1998 in boycotting the Columbus Canada will never be forgotten. 

Bob Carnegie

Qld Branch Secretary