‘A must-read, providing a graphic multi-dimensional analysis of the high and lows of Australian trade unionism over the last sixty years in one crucial illustrative industry, with broader implications for all those committed to the idea that the rebuilding of strong and militant trade unionism today is a burning necessity.’ Ralph Darlington, Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations, University of Salford
‘An inspiring account of organising in the Pilbara – and an important argument about the past, present and future of Australian trade unionism. A book crammed with lessons for anyone wanting to change the world.’ Jeff Sparrow, author of Communism: A Love Story
‘Australia’s Pilbara and its iron ore mining industry is a flagship of corporate success. Tracing the shift in power from workers and their communities to companies and managerial control, this is a story of loss, mistaken steps and ideology driving decision-making. A must-read for all who want to understand the contemporary workplace and learn how history can inform change.’ Emeritus Professor Diane Kirkby, editor of Labour History
‘A gripping study tracing the rise and fall of union power in the Pilbara. Vassiley’s story of how unions got organised in the Pilbara, waged a hard struggle in the most arduous circumstances to win members decent pay and conditions and put the fear of god into management, only to give it all up in the name of industrial “partnership”, tracks the broader picture of Australian unionism since the 1970s. The author’s argument that a return to rank-and-file militancy and strikes is a prerequisite for any revival of trade unionism in the sector has wider currency for a union movement now in a downward spiral.’ Tom Bramble, author of Trade Unionism in Australia
‘Alexis Vassiley’s Striking Ore is one of the most significant books yet written on union organisation, success and defeat. It records the rise of trade unions in one of the world’s toughest working environments – the Pilbara region of Western Australia – from nothing to a powerful movement, followed by an equally swift decline, all within three decades. This grassroots history demonstrates the importance of militant rank-and-file organisation and contains vital lessons for the future of unionism. In the words of its author, “Militancy is not derided but celebrated” – and rightly so.’ Bobbie Oliver, Associate Professor of History, Honorary Research Fellow, UWA
‘Striking Ore is a vivid and compelling account of the rise and fall of union organisation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, for decades a powerhouse of Australia’s export mining industry. The book highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of workplace-based organisation, especially in an economically volatile industry where workers/unions must deal with powerful global corporate interests and a sometimes compliant state apparatus. It captures tensions within different levels of union organisation and the importance of strategic choices when it comes to sustaining unionism. It provides a lens on an important period of Australian industrial relations history but with an added Western Australian dimension missing from previous accounts. Importantly, Vassiley allows us to hear the voices of those involved, especially at workplace level, making for a more comprehensive and richer analysis.’ Michael Quinlan, Emeritus Professor of Industrial Relations, University of New South Wales
‘In Striking Ore, Alexis Vassiley masterfully weaves together historical and present-day analysis. This is a compelling deep dive into how the union movement seized power amidst the unforgiving conditions of the Pilbara only to then relinquish its stronghold – inexplicably for those on the outside looking back in. Drawing on rich, thorough research, Vassiley sheds light on this defeat. The result is an invaluable resource that should serve as a road map for the wider union movement, and a reminder that a return to the heyday of union power is possible.’ Dr Zoë Port, International Trade Union Confederation, Asia Pacific Chair, and New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Stand Up Youth Network Co-Convenor
‘An indispensable, how-to guide, in the guise of a fascinating history of unionism in a vital industry. It shows how workers built their collective strength, impressive pay and conditions. And it demonstrates how retreat from those effective, bottom-up, militant methods to at best limited strike action combined with faith in the Labor Party and proper legal channels led to the collapse of unionism and working conditions in the Pilbara.’ Rick Kuhn, political economist and Deutscher Prize winning author
‘The trade union movement is one of great oral storytelling, too often lost. In Striking Ore Vassiley weaves fascinating, often untold anecdotes of struggle together with clear-eyed and cut-throat analysis, following the arc of over half a century of industry. The book highlights that in struggle, nothing is inevitable – not meaningful organisation nor domination.’ Sam Wallman, co-author of 12 Rules for Strife