Historian Uncovers Power of 'Beer Strikes' in Shaping Australian Society
Historian Iain McIntyre, a member of the Commons Library team, has delved into the history of boycotts and their impact on Australian society. His latest article, 'Parching for Principle: Hotel Boycotts in Regional Australia', explores the tactic of 'beer strikes', a form of protest that targeted pubs and other alcohol-based venues.
McIntyre's research focuses on major beer strikes between 1900 and 1950, including the 1917 Australian brewery workers' strike and the 1946 national hotel and brewery strike. These strikes, which involved drinkers refusing to patronize hotels until their demands were met, led to temporary increases in alcohol prices and disruptions in food and accommodation services. However, they also contributed to improved wages and working conditions for hotel employees.
Historically, boycotts in Australia were often localized, community-based campaigns focused on industrial disputes and the cost of living. McIntyre's work sheds light on the power of collective action and its influence on societal changes.
McIntyre's exploration of beer strikes in regional Australia, as detailed in his Labour History article, offers insights into the history of activism and its impact on Australian society. His research, which builds on his previous work including 'Environmental Blockades' and 'Dangerous Visions and New Worlds', continues to enrich our understanding of social movements and their role in shaping our world.
