Longshoremen: meaning, definitions and examples
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longshoremen
[ˈlɒŋʃɔːr.mən ]
Definition
labor workers
Longshoremen are workers who load and unload cargo from ships at docks and harbors. They play a crucial role in the shipping industry, ensuring that goods are efficiently transported between land and sea. Tasks may include operating cranes, moving containers, and managing inventory. The job often requires physical strength and the ability to work in various weather conditions.
Synonyms
dockworker, port worker, stevedore.
Examples of usage
- The longshoremen worked tirelessly to unload the cargo ship.
- Many longshoremen have union support for better working conditions.
- Longshoremen are essential for keeping the supply chain running smoothly.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'longshoreman' comes from the combination of 'longshore,' meaning 'along the shore,' and 'man,' indicating a worker.
- The word has roots in Middle English, where 'longshore' referred to the area by the water’s edge.
- The profession has been part of maritime activity for centuries, evolving from simple labor to a regulated occupation.
History
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, longshoremen played a critical role in the industrial revolution as shipping increased.
- Labor unions formed among longshoremen in the 1930s to fight for better wages and working conditions, strongly influencing labor laws.
- The Dodge Act of 1907, which regulated labor at ports, marked a significant moment for the rights of longshore workers.
Pop Culture
- The famous novel 'The Longshoreman's Daughter' depicts the life and challenges of longshoremen’s families.
- Films like 'On the Waterfront' highlight the struggles of dock workers, including longshoremen, against corruption and exploitation.
- In music, folk songs often tell the stories of the lives and hardships faced by longshoremen, celebrating their important roles in society.
Economics
- Longshoremen are crucial to the supply chain, helping facilitate international trade by moving goods efficiently from ships to land.
- The rise of container shipping in the 1950s dramatically changed the work of longshoremen, as containers are quicker and easier to load.
- Economic fluctuations can directly impact longshore work, as changes in trade volumes affect how many workers are needed.
Safety and Technology
- Modern longshore work involves significant physical labor, often requiring safety training to prevent injuries.
- Advancements in technology, such as cranes and forklifts, have transformed the way longshoremen do their jobs, reducing the need for manual lifting.
- Despite technology, the job can still be hazardous, with workers facing risks from heavy equipment and shifting loads.
Translations
Translations of the word "longshoremen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dockers
🇮🇳 लंगरकर्मियों
🇩🇪 Hafenarbeiter
🇮🇩 pekerja pelabuhan
🇺🇦 докери
🇵🇱 dokarze
🇯🇵 ロングショアマン
🇫🇷 dockers
🇪🇸 estibadores
🇹🇷 liman işçileri
🇰🇷 항만 노동자
🇸🇦 عمال الموانئ
🇨🇿 dokaři
🇸🇰 dokári
🇨🇳 码头工人
🇸🇮 dokerji
🇮🇸 hafnarverkamenn
🇰🇿 порт жұмысшылары
🇬🇪 ნავსადგური მუშები
🇦🇿 liman işçiləri
🇲🇽 estibadores