Also known as Waterside Workers, Dockers and Wharfies.
Their job revolves around loading freight onto and unloading it from ships. As well as operating heavy machinery to move cargo, they moor and unmoor ships, open and close hatches, clean holds and containers, and prepare them for holding goods, stack cargo ready for it to be transferred, secure it for its voyage, and take care of the paperwork associated with the cargo. Stevedores have a long history, everywhere there has been sea trade, there has been a need for people to load and unload cargo. Traditionally it has been a male-only occupation, but in the last 20 years, a growing number of women have joined the trade. Today it is a skilled occupation, requiring the operation of sophisticated, heavy machinery, and adherence to strict safety regulations.