AUSTRALIAN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION WORKERS FEDERATION

(now part of Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Workers Union SA, Construction Division)

Held By:        Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Workers Union SA, Construction Division)

Artist:          Pam Harris

Funded By:  UTLC All Our Working Lives Project & ABCWF

Produced:    1986

The ABCWF did not want a traditional banner. They wanted a banner which would communicate to the public of 1986 the image of a union and its activities in 1986. I wanted to use the sky in the banner as their members are involved in the construction of multi-storey buildings that soar into the sky, like the cranes. Although I worked from home I was in regular contact with the union to discuss any problems and so that the the union was at all times aware of the stages of development. Pam Harris, Artist

Due to the attacks on trade unions, workers want something to show their identification with their union. The banner is more unifying for people in general, at marches and rallies.

Unions are people and need to work at more than just the bread and butter issues. The union gave ideas to Pam and assisted with the design. Pam went around to worksites and the rank and file were asked to comment. Ron Owens, Secretary ABCWF SA

Cited in : Modern Trade Union Banners: An exhibition of recently completed SA union banners, Kathie Muir, Union Arts, United Trades & Labor Council of South Australia, August 1987.

Reverse of banner