Jagged Seas

Dive into the rich history of the New Zealand Seamen's Union with this compelling book by renowned author David Grant. Published by Canterbury University Press, this meticulously researched volume explores the union's evolution from its founding in 1879 through its key role in New Zealand's maritime labor movement, culminating in its merger with the Waterside Workers' Union in 2003 to become the Maritime Union of New Zealand. Featuring 376 pages of engaging narrative, Grant chronicles the seafaring industry's transformative journey, detailing major industrial disputes such as those in 1890, 1913, and 1951, where class solidarity emerged as a defining principle. This book is essential for anyone interested in labor history, maritime affairs, and the struggles of workers fighting for better livelihoods. David Grant's balanced portrayal challenges common misconceptions of the union as militant, highlighting instead its concerted efforts for worker rights amidst harsh conditions. Explore themes of collective struggle, class solidarity, and the political activism that characterized the New Zealand Seamen's Union's legacy. This historical account provides vital insights into the union's moderate yet impactful approach to labor challenges, making it a must-read for scholars, maritime professionals, and history enthusiasts alike.

Author: David Grant Publisher: Canterbury University Press


Pages: 376
Publication Date: 01-03-2012

From humble beginnings in 1879 until the time it merged with the Waterside Workers' Union in 2003 to become the Maritime Union of New Zealand, the New Zealand Seamen's Union played an integral and essential role in this country's seafaring industry. Labour historian David Grant traverses the huge changes that have occurred in the working lives of seamen, and union practice, through these years. He portrays a union that was assertive and volatile but always steeped in never-ending struggle to win jobs for its members and to better their lives, which were often grim, particularly in the early years. The Seamen's Union was integrally involved in the country's biggest industrial disputes - in 1890, 1913 and 1951. In these and lesser quarrels class solidarity became a byword for its existence, hewn by decades of collective struggle with kin unions against the forces of capital - alongside participation in political struggles such as opposition to the Vietnam War, nuclear ship visits and apartheid in South Africa. Nonetheless, Grant eschews the labels 'militant' and 'irresponsible', which are often levelled at the union, instead arguing that the union has in fact been moderate and considered in all its political and industrial activity.