Celebrating 120 Years
We are 120 years old this year Our story began when the plumbing trade was new By the late 1890s, plumbing was becoming a distinct, recognised trade with its own identity, industrial organisations and training structure. In Australia, it was regulated with by-laws and its importance to public health was generally well recognised. This was the era when unions of employers would be involved in the negotiation of wage rates for workers. In addition to bargaining power, membership provided credibility, proof of a defined set of skills, mutual support and opportunities to meet and keep up with developments in the industry. The early 1900s also saw the introduction of new regulations that set standards of training and expertise and introduced licensing for some trades, including plumbing. The development of plumbing and sewerage infrastructure progressed slowly. For example, in 1908, when Perth’s limited supply of piped water was declared “almost entirely free of injurious micro-organisms”, most homes still relied on bores, wells or tanks for drinking water. In 1912, when the first sewerage treatment plant started operating, very few premises were connected to sewers. Most used dry-earth closets or the sanitary pan system that required night carts and some had septic tanks. Master Plumber | 6
Our names over the years In 1901, against the background of an emerging industry with all its new regulations, we were formed as The Perth and District Master Plumbers Association. In 1902, the name changed slightly when we were registered as The Perth and District Master Plumbers Industrial Union of Employers.
