Waterside Workers Federation (SA)

The first waterside union of South Australia was formed in Port Adelaide in 1872 and represented wharf labourers. At this time most of the other colonies also had maritime unions. After Federation it was decided that a federal body would be formed. In 1902 maritime unions across Australia federated and the first president of the Waterside Workers’ Federation of Australia was Billy Hughes. In 1993 The Seaman’s Union and the Waterside Workers’ Federation merged to create the Maritime Union of Australia.