Agent TypeOrganisationHistoryIn 1969 trade unionists throughout Australia took part in 24 hour stoppages , short stoppages, deputations and other forms of protes aimed at ending the system of penal powers in the Arbitration Act. Unionists demanded that the Victorian Tramways Union Secretary, Clarrie O'Shea be released from jail and the penal laws in the Arbitration Act be removed. O'Shea was imprisoned because he carried out the decision of his Union which decided to take a stand against the use of penal powers by refusing to pay fines imposed on it for strike action.
![[1981.0163] Records of the Penal Powers Struggle, 1969](/img/placeholder.gif?1762209064 "[1981.0163] Records of the Penal Powers Struggle, 1969")