W. G. Spence

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William Guthrie Spence was a prominent trade unionist and politician in Australia, known for his significant contributions to the labor movement and his efforts in organizing various unions. 

 

  • Early Life and Education: William Guthrie Spence was born on 7 August 1846 in Eday, Orkney, Scotland, and moved to Victoria, Australia, with his family in 1852. He had no formal schooling but was taught by a Trinity College graduate and read widely.1 

  • Early Career: Spence worked as a shepherd, butcher-boy, and miner, eventually becoming a 'shift boss' and manager in mining. He was deeply influenced by his experiences in the goldfields.1 

  • Trade Union Leadership: In 1874, Spence initiated a trade union in the Clunes district, leading to the formation of the Amalgamated Miners' Association of Victoria. He became general secretary in 1882 and aimed to unite all miners in Australia and New Zealand.2 

  • Amalgamated Shearers' Union: Spence was appointed foundation president of the Amalgamated Shearers' Union of Australasia in 1886. He successfully unionized most shearers in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales by 1890.3 

  • Maritime Strike of 1890: Spence played a significant role in the maritime strike of 1890, which ended in defeat for the workers. His heavy workload and limited understanding of city workers' issues contributed to his ineptitude during the strike.45 

  • Political Involvement: Spence was elected to the first Federal parliament in 1901 as a member for Darling. He also served as Commonwealth postmaster-general and vice-president of the Executive Council between 1914 and 1917.67 

  • Later Years and Legacy: Spence faced declining influence in his later years and lost his seat in 1917. He died on 13 December 1926, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the Australian labor movement.7 

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