I found a Youtube video of Australian Communist Music , which lead me to learning about Robert “Pig Iron Menzies” Menzies and his fight with Australian Union Workers over the shipping of iron to Japan during World War II.

We wouldn’t load pig-iron for the fascists of Japan
Despite intimidation we refused to lift the ban
With democracy at stake the struggle must be won
We had to beat the menace of the fascist Rising Sun
Pig Iron Bob

The communist party and union lead the people to fight against their government, they were impacting international policy in the name of peace, to protect the lives of the Chinese and their fellow Australians.

They speak about it proudly, it’s now union folklore
How wharfies wouldn’t load any pig-iron for war
Japan was a threat so they walked off the job
They wouldn’t help the fascists for old Pig-iron Bob
Right The Time

Here’s what how Wikipedia introduced Pig Iron Bob

Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, KT, AK, CH, PC, QC, FAA, FRS (20 December 1894 – 15 May 1978), was an Australian politician who twice served as Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1939 to 1941 and again from 1949 to 1966. He played a central role in the creation of the Liberal Party of Australia, defining its policies and its broad outreach. He is Australia’s longest-serving prime minister, serving over 18 years in total.

This guy started the liberal party … what a Pig.

Maritime Union of Australia - Pig Iron Bob (5:58)

MUA Youth Members Speak

Some great comments in here about why these young people are willing to support their comrades in the MUA.

One Hour of Australian Communist Music

Here is the video with a few songs that led me to stumble on this story and this union’s media.

And finally I discovered that the MUA is affiliated with the International Transport Workers’ Federation who have a Tourism Sector

Outsourcing and new technology are changing the face of the industry. For example, workers are being made redundant as electronic ticketing and computer-based booking systems become more widespread. Our role is to ensure that all workers’ rights are protected as the industry evolves.