Watch The Dalfram Dispute

The Dalfram Dispute is a 2020 Australian documentary film directed by Daniel Joyce. The film is a retelling of a significant event in Australian history and is based on real-life events that took place in the 1930s. The story of The Dalfram Dispute is centered around a small coastal community in Wollongong, New South Wales, called Port Kembla. This community is home to a group of workers who are employed by the Waterside Workers Federation, a union that represents waterfront workers in Australia. In 1938, the community becomes embroiled in a bitter industrial dispute with the NSW government over the transportation of pig iron to Japan.

The Japanese Imperial Government had been acquiring pig iron from Australian companies to boost its military might. The Workers Federation of Australia opposed the transportation of pig iron to Japan since it was seen as a threat to Australian security. The factory involved in the dispute was the Australian Iron and Steel company's Pig Iron Factory in the Illawarra suburb of Port Kembla.

The Australian government decides to force through the transportation of pig iron to Japan, setting up a contentious confrontation with the union and the workers. The government mobilizes police to escort trucks carrying pig iron to the ships in Port Kembla. The workers and members of the union stage a protest on the Dalfram Beach, which becomes the focal point of the controversy.

The Dalfram Dispute documents the non-violent protest campaign that the union wages to prevent the transportation of pig iron to Japan. The film includes interviews with surviving members of the union and their families, as well as newspaper articles and photographs from the time. The film depicts the harsh tactics employed by the police to break up the protest, resulting in the arrest of union leaders and the use of batons and tear gas to disperse the protest.

The documentary highlights the power of collective action and the importance of solidarity in the struggle for worker's rights. The film explores the human story behind the headlines and honors the workers who stood up for their rights against a brutal government response. The Dalfram Dispute is an inspiring and poignant tribute to the fighting spirit of the working-class communities of Australia.

The Dalfram Dispute offers a fresh perspective on a significant event in Australian history that has been overlooked for too long. This ​film is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in Australian history, unionism, or human rights activism. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to protect worker's rights and the struggle for social justice.

Overall, The Dalfram Dispute provides an honest and thought-provoking portrayal of a time when workers across Australia stood together to fight for their rights. The film presents a compelling narrative of a community fighting against all odds to defend their rights against a powerful adversary. With powerful storytelling and nuanced direction, The Dalfram Dispute is an unforgettable cinematic experience.