Meredith Burgmann's pioneering work on the history of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Builders Labourers' Federation. During the 1960s and 1970s the NSWBLF introduced limited tenure of office for union officials, tied officials' pay to the minimum industry wage, introduced highly democratic forms of decision-making, and pursued militant industrial tactics. The union was also notable for its aggressive support of other social groups, most notably through the placing of "Green Bans" where members prevented work from taking place on environmentally or socially destructive projects.
We sacked every foreman on the site. We said "You're all fired and we'll be doing no production until safety gets up to scratch". The foremen remained there by the gate with forlorn looks on their faces. They didn't believe it. They'd try to give orders and we'd say "Run along son, we're busy".