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Peak Union body entry Labour League (1874 - 1884)

From
1874
South Australia
To
1884
Functions
Trade Union (Peak Body)

Summary

The forerunner of the United Trades & Labor Council of South Australia [UTLC] was the Labour League which was established in 1874, following the 8 hour day campaign. The UTLC was formed in Adelaide in January 1884 and began by representing 13 unions. In 1891, the UTLC helped sponsor the creation of the Labor Party, the beginning of a long affiliation in the form of organisational and financial support for the ALP. After the First World War, the UTLC focused on the drastic manufacturing expansion as a source of support but, more recently the Council's emphasis has moved beyond blue collar trades to embrace broader community issues. The UTLC's centenary year, 1984, saw eighty six affiliated unions and over 170,000 members.

Timeline

 1874 - 1884 Labour League
       1884 - United Trades & Labor Council of South Australia

Archival resources

State Library of South Australia, Mortlock Library of South Australiana

  • SA Unions - Records, 1883 - 1993, SRG 1; State Library of South Australia, Mortlock Library of South Australiana. Details

Ross G. Elford