Summary

This Australian Workers' Union (AWU) collection dates mainly from 1963-1965 and consists overwhelmingly of union correspondence, union welfare for members, publications, newspaper articles, leaflets, booklets, etc. regarding the 1964-65 Mount Isa Mines (MIM) Strike. This was an eight month industrial dispute between miners and management. Previously, a 1961 strike at MIM was precipitated by legislation threatening workers' contract bonuses but this dispute erupted again in August 1964 when the State Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Commission rejected a proposal for a £4 weekly pay rise in lieu of increased bonuses. Led by Pat Mackie the miners initiated a go-slow rule that decreased mine output. Tensions developed within union ranks regarding what direction this dispute should take, with AWU leaders not agreeing to expand the strike beyond Mount Isa. A state of emergency was declared by Premier Nicklin on 27 January 1965, which permitted police to cordon off Mount Isa, enter homes without warrants and seize strike materials. By February and March 1965 the dispute was petering out and a substantial number of workers' demands were met in the MIM Award of June 1965.

This material on the Mount Isa dispute should be read in conjunction with the E. Stannett Papers (see Related Links).