Aussie dopers! Political party spelling question.

[Richard_Pearse]

I am curious as to why the Labor party in Australia spell it Labor, and not Labour. Any ideas?

[Richard_Pearse]

Just shows that one should Google then post.

I have found the answer almost immediately!!

This from http://www.alp.org.au/about/history.html:

During the early years of the ALP, the Party was referred to by various titles differing from colony to colony. It was at the 1908 Interstate (federal) Conference that the name “Australian Labour Party” was adopted. In its shortened form the Party was frequently referred to as both ‘Labor’ and ‘Labour’, however the former spelling was adopted from 1912 onwards, due to the influence of the American labor movement.

[Essured]

Looks like we can blame it on the influence of America

[Essured]

I swear your responses wasn’t there when I submitted, Skogcat

[Richard_Pearse]

Hehehe, it’s even the same link

[Duckster]

*Originally posted by Goo *
**Looks like we can blame it on the influence of America **

There is a difference between influence and coercion.

At the end of the day, Australians decided among themselves how they will spell the name of their party. It was strictly a Downunder decision. The influence carries no power nor blame in and of itself.