Successful unionism in a difficult environment: the Papua New Guinea Maritime Workers Industrial Union in the 1990s

Abstract

Internationally, maritime transport has gained a reputation for difficult industrial relationships. It has also provided amongst the most successful examples of union organisation. With wharves and ships playing pivotal roles in national and international trade for a wide range of industries, workers in these areas have been able to use industrial power in ways unavailable to most employees. Industrial relations results are seen along a continuum from cultures of bargaining to traditions of confrontation. State intervention has also played a prominent role, with governments drawn to attempt regulation of an industry with such broad economic impacts.