The 1951 waterfront dispute in New Zealand, often referred to as the "1951 Waterfront Lockout," was one of the most significant and prolonged industrial conflicts in the country's history. It involved a major standoff between the waterside workers, their unions, and the government, and it had wide-reaching implications for labor relations in New Zealand.
The roots of the 1951 dispute can be traced to several factors, including economic conditions, union dynamics, and broader political tensions. After World War II, New Zealand, like many other countries, faced economic challenges, including inflation and a rising cost of living. Workers across various industries, including those on the waterfront, were struggling to keep up with these rising costs. Many unions began to push for higher wages to offset inflation.
The New Zealand Waterside Workers' Union (NZWWU) was one of the most militant and powerful unions in the country. It was closely aligned with the Federation of Labour (FOL), but tensions existed between the NZWWU and other unions, particularly over tactics and approaches to industrial action. The more militant stance of the NZWWU often put it at odds with other unions and the government. The New Zealand government, led by Prime Minister Sidney Holland, was increasingly concerned about the growing influence of militant unions. Employers were also worried about the potential disruption caused by strikes and were looking for ways to curb union power on the waterfront.
The immediate trigger for the 1951 waterfront dispute was a demand by the waterside workers for a substantial pay increase to match the rising cost of living. The employers, represented by the Waterfront Industry Commission, rejected these demands, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
In February 1951, after a series of escalating actions, the employers declared a lockout of the waterside workers, effectively shutting them out of their jobs. In response, the workers went on strike, and the dispute quickly escalated into a nationwide confrontation between the union and the government.
The New Zealand government responded to the strike with extraordinary measures. The National government declared a state of emergency under the Public Safety Conservation Act, giving it sweeping powers to deal with the situation. These measures included the government deploying the military to work the wharves and keep goods moving. This was a significant move that demonstrated the government's determination to break the strike. In fact, Redhead's late husband was assigned to this task during his service in the Royal New Zealand Navy at the time.
The government introduced legislation that made it illegal to provide support to the strikers, including financial assistance. It also imposed fines and other penalties on those who were found to be aiding the strikers. The government implemented strict censorship measures, limiting the ability of the unions to communicate with the public and each other. This included banning the publication of union material and restricting access to radio broadcasts.
The 1951 waterfront dispute lasted for 151 days, making it one of the longest industrial disputes in New Zealand’s history.
The government’s hardline tactics, combined with a lack of broader support from other unions and the general public, ultimately led to the defeat of the waterside workers. The defeat of the waterside workers significantly weakened the power of the NZWWU and other militant unions. It also marked a turning point in New Zealand's labor relations, with the government asserting greater control over industry.
The 1951 dispute solidified the National Party's position as a strong, anti-communist government, which appealed to many voters at the time. It also led to a period of relative industrial peace in New Zealand, although at the cost of union influence.
This waterfront dispute remains a key event in New Zealand's labour history, illustrating the intense conflict between labour and government in the post-war period and the significant impact of state power on industrial relations.
