ISBN 978-1-923843-81-3
HARDCOVER
The History of the Liquor Trades Union in SA 1890 to 1980
And South Australia’s relationship with grog
The Liquor Trades Union was formed in a Hindley Street pub in Adelaide in 1907, in response to workers in that industry having some of the worst wages and conditions in South Australia at the time.
The Union covered workers in breweries, wineries, hotels and related industries, and was unique in South Australia’s labour movement as it was not only fighting employers but was fighting for the very survival of the liquor industry and the jobs of its members. The temperance movement (the ‘wowsers’) were a strong political force and openly stated their objective was total prohibition. To add to the Union’s struggle, its own political party, the Australian Labor Party, was heavily influenced by prohibitionists and supported the push to reel in the industry and shut it down.
The Union turned the situation to its advantage and formed a strained alliance with employer groups, helping to battle the wowsers in exchange for improved wages and conditions which were in advance of most, if not all, other industries. This book provides a detailed record of the growth and development of the Liquor Trades Union in South Australia from its creation in 1907 with 33 members to 1980 when it comprised over 10,000 members, and briefly discusses the employer groups, the temperance movement, the politicians and the licensing laws that shaped South Australian society’s attitude to alcohol in the 20th century.
About the Author
Max Rowe worked at the West End Brewery in Hindley Street, Adelaide, from 1941 to 1979.
He was a member of the Liquor Trades Union until 1952 when he was promoted to Paymaster at the Brewery, preventing him from remaining a member of the Union.
Max’s position as paymaster put him in daily contact with the workers on the factory floor, with the Union and with Management.
About the Author
Les Rowe was a member of the Liquor Trades Union in the 1980’s and was employed part time by the Union as a Research Officer whilst studying Law at the University of Adelaide.