The Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union (F.M.W.U.), commonly known as the 'Missos', was an Australian
trade union
A trade union (labor union in American English), often simply referred to as a union, is an organization of workers intent on "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment", ch. I such as attaining better wages and benefits ( ...
which existed between 1915 and 1992.
It represented an extremely diverse and disparate range of occupations, but its core support came from workers employed in
cleaning
Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other impurities, from an object or environment. Cleaning is often performed for aesthetic, hygienic, functional, environmental, or safety purposes. Cl ...
and
security services.
Formation
The union was first established on 6 May 1910 as the Watchmen, Caretakers and Cleaners Union of New South Wales (W.C.C.U.),
which was created by the Organising Committee of the
New South Wales Labor Council.
[ The task of organisation was a difficult one due to the casualised and isolated nature of the occupations covered.][ Under the leadership of the first Secretary of the WCCU, Joe Coote, the union adopted a pragmatic approach to increasing union membership by including any workers not already represented by trade unions, such as paintmaking employees.][ To reflect the growing range of industries represented in 1915 the union changed its name to the Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union.][
]
Growth
After steady growth over the first half of the century, including winning paid sick leave
Sick leave (or paid sick days or sick pay) is paid time off from work that workers can use to stay home to address their health needs without losing pay. It differs from paid vacation time or time off work to deal with personal matters, because sic ...
, annual leave
Annual leave is a period of paid time off work granted by employers to employees to be used for whatever the employee wishes. Depending on the employer's policies, differing number of days may be offered, and the employee may be required to gi ...
and a forty-hour week, the union really took off in the 1950s. A new rank-and-file leadership led by Ray Gietzelt
Ray Gietzelt AO (29 September 192212 October 2012) was a major figure in the Australian union movement in the latter part of the 20th century. He led the Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union of Australia (FMWU; later known as United Voice) ...
took over to create a vibrant, member-driven union.[
Famous campaigns during the 1950s and 60s included organising workers paid to be ]Santa Claus
Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a Legend, legendary figure originating in Western Christianity, Western Christian culture who is said to Christmas gift-bringer, bring ...
es at Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by country, around t ...
and a group of dance instructors who were locked out for four months before winning their jobs back.Australian Leather and Allied Trades Employees' Federation
The Australian Leather and Allied Trades Employees' Federation (ALATEF) was an Australian trade union that existed between 1945 and 1970. It represented workers employed in the preparation of leather from hides, and the manufacture of a variety o ...
.[
The strength of the "Missos" grew over these years, with membership increasing from 25,000 in 1955 to 88,000 by 1975. Ray Gietzelt remained General Secretary from 1955 to 1984.
]
Amalgamation
In 1992 the FMWU amalgamated with the to form the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union (LHMU), later renamed United Voice
United Voice was a large Australian trade union, with over 130,000 members. United Voice members worked in a wide range of occupations including hospitality, childcare, teachers' aides, aged care, property services (cleaning, security, maintenan ...
.[
]
References
External links
United Voice
The website of United Voice, the successor to the Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union.
{{Authority control
Defunct trade unions of Australia
Trade unions established in 1910
Trade unions disestablished in 1992