Printers for peace

1980–90

Donated by John Ellis

Museum of Australian Democracy collection

This badge was produced by the Printing and Kindred Industries Union (PKIU), a national union active between 1966 and 1995. After several amalgamations it evolved into the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union.

The donor of this badge, John Ellis, writes:

This badge was particularly relevant for me as I worked as a typesetter/compositor in the printing industry. I wore this badge to anti-war demonstrations and also on a regular basis to work and other events. I wore it to show people how much I support peace and how I believe that there is a better way to solve problems rather than taking up arms.

My peace activism began when I was a young man and continues to this day. When wearing the badge, it was a connection with other peace activists.