Union involvement in health issues: The VIC RAIL Asbestos Dispute

Abstract

This article examines the VIC RAIL Asbestos Dispute which took place in Victoria, Australia during 1977-78. The dispute was significant in that the general awareness generated by the union campaign and the publicity given by the media, was instrumental in securing workers' demands. It also illustrated the need for workers and union officials to carefully assess the dangers present on the job; a task that cannot be left solely to management or the government.