Labour and Politics

Over 100 trade unions are represented within UMA's holdings, the majority Victorian and Federal branches. Collections range from the archives of small craft unions established in the nineteenth century, such as the United Tinsmiths, Ironworkers and Japanners' Society and the Melbourne Typographical Union, to the records of large amalgamated unions representing workers in a range of industries, including food, clothing, textiles, metals, nursing, public transport, entertainment, storing and packing, municipal, firefighting, and white-collar.

UMA also holds records of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, some provinical trades and labour councils and the personal papers of some prominent union leaders and activists. For more details browse the following collection categories:

  • Labour, individuals
  • Labour, organisations

Political collections include records of political parties including the Communist Party of Australia, the Liberal Party of Australia and various metropolitan and country branches of the Australian Labor Party. These are complimented by the personal papers of various individuals within these organisations: politicians, political activists and many others.

Various movements and lobby groups are also well documented in UMA's holdings. For more details browse these collection categories:

  • Community and Political, Individuals
  • Community and Political, Organisations

Peace movement collections include organisational records along with the papers of peace campaigners. For more information see the Peace Movement subject guide.

    Eight Hour Day Procession Float

    Undated, Photographer unknown, Operative Bakers' Union of Victoria, 1983.0063