
This 'warts and all' history reveals faction fighting within the union, the strengths and weaknesses of people who endeavoured to lead and mislead the rank and file, and the ability of union officials to handle crises. But, above all, it highlights the willingness of men to fight for an organisatio n which they believe is vital for their welfare and which gives them some say in the decisions which affect their working lives. The fight for industrial democracy has a long history in the Australian maritime industry.