On 7 April 1998 Australians woke up to the startling news that dogs and security guards in balaclavas were invading the docks around the country, locking out workers.A volatile mix of forces led up to this dramatic moment — a government determined to bring about change on the waterfront, an employer desperate as its share price tanked and a union with a reputation for fighting hard for its members.In this ABC Rewind investigation into the Patricks waterfront dispute Jan Fran tells a story of high drama and political intrigue, a complex web of lies, double dealings, high-stakes leaks and guns. It takes us from Queensland's Ettamogah pub to the ports of Dubai, from low-rent motel rooms, to the highest court in the land. And all the way to the Prime Minister.
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On 7 April 1998 Australians woke up to the startling news that dogs and security guards in balaclavas were invading the docks around the country, locking out workers.A volatile mix of forces led up to this dramatic moment — a government determined to bring about change on the waterfront, an employer desperate as its share price tanked and a union with a reputation for fighting hard for its members.In this ABC Rewind investigation into the Patricks waterfront dispute Jan Fran tells a story of hig...