Pulaʼs tram driversʼ strikes as a result of their poor financial status in the context of political and economic crises in the city

Abstract

Tram traffic in Pula, commencing its three decades of traffic in 1904, was perceived as a segment of modernization of Pula, which was then undergoing its demographic, urban and infrastructural expansion. On the other hand, political and economic crises in the city influenced the functioning of tram traffic, meaning its employees as its social component. Pula’s tram drivers became dissatisfied already in the first year of the tram’s operation, culminating with the strikes between 1910 and 1912, and they continued even after the outbreak of World War I. The causes of their dissatisfaction, can be found in low wages, unsuitable working conditions, poor job security and neglect from local authorities. Frequently, their protests were used as tools in political struggles, with social problems painted as national issues, leading thereby to the rise in inter-ethnic antagonisms. Financial insecurity often led to conflicts between tram drivers, as well as to the collapse of their families. Strikes and uprisings also had an impact on political and economic circumstances, and on the everyday life of all residents. They had to endure irregularities in traffic, unprofessional behaviour of the tram’s staff the majority of whom were newly hired, poorly trained and inexperienced, which resulted in frequent traffic accidents.