Celebrating 120 years of unionism in SA

The South Australia United Trades and Labour Council (UTLC) 
began the first of a series of celebratory events on Sunday 
February 1 with a historical function at the Brecknock, King 
William Street, Adelaide.

The organisation arose out of workers' concerns about economic 
recession and its effect upon the working-class.

The UTLC soon became the focal point for working-class 
organisation and struggles for emancipation from the tyranny of 
the business classes. Economic grievances were directed toward 
the political arena as working-class consciousness developed.

An early member of the organisation, George Buttery, a migrant 
from England who was elected president in 1890, was an 
acquaintance of Karl Marx and former member of the First 
International.

A re-enactment of the original meeting was dramatised by Patrick 
Frost.

During its proud 120-year history, South Australian unions have 
chalked up many gains in struggle as employers never let up in 
their attempts to increase the exploitation of labour.

Whether it be the achievement of an eight-hour working day, trade 
union rights or equal pay, the struggle continues today.

UTLC Secretary Janet Giles, speaking at the celebration stressed 
the event was a celebration of collectivity and solidarity by 
those who possessed a "vision of a better world and better 
future". 

In an address, noting the importance of history, Elliot Johnson, 
QC, reminded those present of the "masters and servants" times, 
and how hard the capitalists were hard to defeat".

Yasuro Takedo, President of Rengio Gifu, a Japanese trade-union 
organisation, spoke about the recent development of international 
links with the UTLC. He gave accounts the many struggles being 
waged in Japan which is experiencing recession and the 
casualisation of labour.

Brian Butler, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission 
(ATSIC) Regional Co-ordinator, spoke about the importance of 
struggles and victories waged by Indigenous people.

Lee-Anne Woods, an organiser for the Finance Sector Union took up 
the question of education and organisation for young people.

The preliminary meeting of the UTLC took place on the same date 
in 1884. Historical documents from the UTLC archives were on 
display.

MC for the event was UTLC President, Martin O'Malley.

Music was provided by Abbie Cardwell. A video, Closer than 
Ever, about the history of the trade-union movement was also 
shown.