Taking 'drastic action'? power and discipline in Rockhampton trade unions, 1916 to the 1950s

This paper examines the relationship between union leaders and rank-and-file members in internal discipline. Focusing on Rockhampton and employing Hyman's concept ofpower over and power for, the work argues that union leaders were neither omnipotent nor tyrannical in dispensing discipline and did so to maintain the solidarity and reputation on which rested union power over employers. Moreover, democratic processes of the union and the broader social and legislative contexts legitimated their authority.