Constitutions, press release and directory issued by the Union of Christmas Island Workers, 1976-1977.
Christmas Island (Indian Ocean): Trades Unions Material
This material is held atInstitute of Commonwealth Studies Library, University of London
- Reference
- GB 101 TU.XA
- Dates of Creation
- 1976-1977
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English
- Physical Description
- 1 box
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Christmas Island came under British rule in 1888 following the discovery of phosphate, and was administered as part of the Colony of Singapore until 1958, when it was first made a seperate colony and then transferred to Australian sovereignty. Throughout this period and thereafter phosphate mining dominated the island, and the Union Of Christmas Island Workers was created in 1975 to protect the interests of those working in the industry. The materials here document the birth of the union as well as its grievances with the Australian government, most notably with regard to wage policies which the UCIW saw as discriminating against non-European workers.
Arrangement
Alphabetically by union, and then in rough chronological order.
Access Information
Open to all for research purposes; access is free for anyone in higher education.
Acquisition Information
Institute of Commonwealth Studies
Other Finding Aids
Records at item level on library catalogue (SASCAT)
Archivist's Note
Description compiled by Daniel Millum, Political Archives Project Officer at the Institutes of Commonwealth and Latin American Studies.
Conditions Governing Use
Copies can usually be obtained - apply to library staff.
Custodial History
The Commonwealth Political Parties Materials collection was begun in 1960-61, with special emphasis being placed then, as now, on "primary material such as party constitutions, policy statements, convention reports and election manifestos." (ICS, Twelfth Annual Report 1960-1961). Since then, the main method of gathering material has been to appeal directly to political parties throughout the Commonwealth, though contributions from Institute members and staff following visits to relevant countries have been significant.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected