Jagged Seas: The New Zealand Seamen's Union 1879-2003 by David Grant.

Jagged Seas: The New Zealand Seamen's Union 1879-2003 by David Grant.

Published by Canterbury University Press, 2012

Softback in excellent condition, no inscriptions, minor shelf-wear, small chip to back edge.

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 of its political and industrial activity. 383 pages with photos.

ALL PHOTOS ARE OF THE ACTUAL BOOK.

All books are sent with free courier postage within New Zealand.

Pick up from Phoenixbooksnz.com Waimate, South Canterbury.

Please see our other listings for more great books: New Zealand History; Maori; First Editions; Signed; War & Military; Vintage & Antique, Hunting, Climbing, and many more.