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Melbourne Workers protest Industrial Relations
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
Thousands of people gathered at the MCG today to protest the Howard Government Industrial Relations laws. Although an impressive rally, it didn't fill the MCG as expected. The Melbourne Criket Ground was more than half full, but less than three quarters full. Footy fans near me estimated about 55,000 to 60,000 people.
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In the MCG it was a good atmosphere with speeches and entertainment.
Sharan Burrow, President of the ACTU, said "Our determination has strengthened. We will not allow the rights, the wages and the working conditions that have been won over the last 100 years to be swept away. Together we must build a movement for change."
"We remember when Australia was a place where we valued democratic rights. But now, every single worker can be fined $6000 just for asking for protection against unfair dismissal. Unions can be fined $33,000 for asking for union-provided OHS training." she said. "These are disgraceful laws. They have no place in a democratic society. They are unbalanced, extreme and a threat to Australian values."
Sharan Burrow claimed three city train lines were disrupted in the early morning, which may account for some reduced attendance.
Greg Combet, ACTU Secretary, attacked the Government for IR laws that are taking away important rights similar to the inequality and disadvantage in the United States. "Our goal is not just to repeal these unfair industrial relations laws, but to replace them with decent rights for working people. A decent safety net of minimum pay and employment conditions. A right for people to collectively bargain. If a majority of workers want to collectively bargain with their employer, we believe that the law should require the employer to negotiate. This is a simple democratic principle that should be respected in Australian workplaces."
And then the electioneering began for the Labor Party. Greg Combet said "A new campaign starts today. Your rights at work are not just worth fighting for - they are worth voting for. We will campaign in the wider community and ask people to vote for change. What we do now is not just for us, but also for our children and for future generations."
"And it's not just IR that we need to change. The Howard Government has been divisive and deceitful. It took the country to war in Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that did not exist. The Government lied about refugees throwing their children overboard. It is shameless about its incompetence over the bribes paid to Saddam Hussein. It has put the interests of big business above those of working families. John Howard knows that these IR laws are unpopular. He will try to con people by making some cosmetic changes. Please do not be fooled." he said.
And then we heard from Leader of the Federal Opposition, "bomber" Beazley: "Friends, I'm here to tell you today we are going to rip up these laws," he said, with cheers from the crowd crowd. "Our campaign is for the future of working families. The only way we're going to get rid of these extreme laws is to throw Howard out, the only way," he said.
At the end of speeches Jimmy Barnes came on stage and belted out a few numbers including the classic "Working Class Man" to the cheers and enjoyment of the crowd.
Then the tens of thousands of people streamed out of the MCG for the march to Federation Square. Though there may have been only 60,000 people, it was still an impressive crowd marching down Flinders street. The clouds also decided to melt away with brilliant sunshine greeting the marches.
By Midday the crowd were bleeding away: back to home, restaurants, and some back to work.
And there we have it. The unofficial start of the Labor Party campaign for the next Federal election
Sources:
- ACTU - Sharan Burrow speech
- ACTU - Greg Combet speech
- Courier Mail - Beazley promises better IR laws
Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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Fill the 'G' IR Rally and March
by Takver
Thursday November 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
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