Women in Maritime Unions

In 1972, Seamen's Union of Australia Federal Secretary E.V. Elliott announced at the union’s centenary convention that the union “needed a policy to enable women to become seafarers, to join the union as crew members in whatever department women themselves chose” (Kirkby 2008, p. 310). Elliott had every reason to appreciate the role women had to play in the workforce and in the union movement. His partner, Della Elliott, had been a prominent figure in trade unions since the 1930s and had worked as an administrator and editor at the SUA since 1955.

The SUA Committee of Management adopted a policy of equality of opportunity for female members and sought to abolish any laws preventing women from entering the industry (Kirkby 2008, p. 310). However, there were certainly barriers to overcome. Even though it was becoming common for women to work in non-traditional roles in the mines and steelworks for example, and the majority of union members agreed that more women should be encouraged to work in the industry, there were certainly some that showed resistance and apprehension to having women on ships and wharves.  

In 1972, the Australian Council of Trade Union adopted a policy of assisting women to find employment in non-traditional female roles. This formed the basis for a broader policy across the trade union movement. Although, within the maritime industries, change was very slow. Many women experienced discrimination and there was an ongoing struggle for equality, but as Diane Kirkby writes, female maritime union members took the approach of being persistent but non-confrontational, expanding their work options by proving themselves, campaigning amongst the membership and working with the Executive (2008, p. 321).   

2015 was the Maritime Union of Australia's Year of the Woman, in which the union celebrated the achievements of its female members. Some of the Union's successful female officials include Alisha Bull, Tasmania Branch Deputy Secretary and granddaughter of former Waterside Workers' Federation General Secretary Tas Bull; Sarah Maguire, International Transport Workers' Federation Inspector and former Chairperson of the MUA Youth Committee; and Mich-Elle Myers, MUA Women's Liaison Officer and National Employee Assistance Program Coordinator.  

The number of women working in the maritime industries is still low, but the Maritime Union of Australia continues to support women to enter the industry and be a part of the union. Today, women represent 5.18% of the MUA’s membership (MUA 2022) but this number continues to grow. Strong unions need women.   

References 

Kirkby, D 2008, Voices from the Ships, UNSW Press, Sydney. 

Maritime Union of Australia n.d., Women, <https://www.mua.org.au/subcategory/women>