Harco Work-In

</image> <label>Performers</label> <label>Date</label> <label>Location</label> </infobox>The Harco Work-In was an episode of workers' control in a steel factory in Sydney, Australia in 1971.

Background

Harco was a steel factory that depended on government contracts to survive. As these were completed, management would fire and rehire workers as contracts came in, and before they were fired they were given extraordinary amounts of work to do. After the firing of six workers, a strike occurred. The strikers informally gathered at a nearby pub and that simply striking would lead to more sackings. Inspired by the recent events in France and Scotland, they decided to perform a work-in.

Events

Under workers' control, the Harco factory saw a 25% increase in productivity, which management refused to pay the workers for.

Results

The Harco Work-In failed as Harco repeatedly sabotaged the operation by stealing tools and supplies whilst randomly shutting off electricity to the factory. They also went to the state and got them to fine the Harco workers, who were still willing to continue the work-in. But the refusal for the reformist union to support the action combined with heavier fines eventually ended the work-in, which achieved none of its gains and cost the workers their jobs. However, it inspired a wave of work-ins across Australia which continued through the 1970s.

See Also

• Work-In
• May-June 1968 Events in France
• Upper Clyde Shipbuilders Work-In
• Clutha Development Mine Work-In
• Sydney Opera House Work-In
• Whyalla Glove Factory Work-In
• Wyong Plaza Work-In
• Nymboida Mine Work-In
• Coal Cliff Work-In
• Sanyo Television Factory Work-In
• Union Carbide Work-In
• Department of Social Security Work-In