Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia

rdf:langString Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia

rdf:langString FMMUA

rdf:langString Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia

rdf:langString FMMUA

rdf:langString Federated Moulders' Union of Australia

rdf:langString The Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia (FMMUA) was an Australian trade union which existed between 1899 and 1983. It represented moulders – skilled tradesmen who fabricated the moulds for casting metal products in foundries. In spite of only organising within a single skilled occupation, which kept total membership low, the vital position of moulders in major industries such as mining, manufacturing and the railways, ensured that the union remained industrially powerful with a reputation for being highly militant. Founded at the turn of 20th century, the union was formed as a federation of several smaller bodies based in the various Australian colonies. The FMMUA was fiercely protective of its status as a craft union made up of highly trained and highly skilled workers, and consistently resisted attempts by employers and governments to reduce costs or increase production in the industry through the use of unskilled labour. This issue was particularly acute during the economic crisis of the 1930s, which greatly weakened the union's bargaining position relative to employers, and during the Second World War, when the federal government sought to rapidly increase output in the metal manufacturing industry. Despite hostility to encroachment from unskilled labour, which at times engendered conflict with other unions and opposition to women's employment as moulders, the FMMUA did co-operate with other metal trades unions from the 1930s onwards on issues of common interest, such as improving wages and working conditions across the metal and engineering industry. During the latter part of the 20th century the union's membership came under increasing pressure due to technological change and automation, as well as the decline of Australian heavy industry caused by globalisation and off-shoring, leading the union to finally amalgamate with the Amalgamated Metal Workers and Shipwrights Union in 1983, following protracted and contentious negotiations.

rdf:langString The Australian Foundry Worker