IWW/Anzac Day 2007 : Melbourne Indymedia

One of the greatest popular victories in Australian history was the defeat of conscription in World War One in a campaign spearheaded by the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) The Australian union movement owes much to the IWW and the traditions it created; this despite its brief existence as a largish organization. (The IWW survives as a smallish organization)

Just an example taken at random: the IWW was resolutely non-racist and at a time when conventional wisdom would have us believe that the Australian labour movement was very much whites only. Yet the IWW was influential enough to lead the labour movement opposition to the war and to conscription......and to actually defeat conscription.

The IWW deserves to be remembered, and so does its anti-conscription victory. I hope that this year we can organize a more large scale event than in previous years. (For info on previous years, fact sheet, and discussion see the links below)

We can still learn from the history of the IWW and from its greatest victory in Australia.

The purpose of the IWW commemmoration is _not_ a publicity stunt; more to "honour those to whom honour is due", and to start creating a healthy tradition. With a largish turnout the event could also be very useful for networking of course. The event is _not_ intended to physically confront or tangle with the other thing happening that day. Bigger fish to fry here.

Discussion , expressions of interest etc, would be welcome. Perhaps we could get some kind of steering committe this year. Please try and read the links below first if you are interested in commenting.

_Jeremy

http://www.melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2006/04/111349.php Report on last years IWW/Anzac Day, containing link to more detailed report on 2005

http://www.melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2006/05/112024_comment.php#112150 Discussion, IWW/Anzac Day, May Day

http://www.melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2005/04/91024.php Leaflet text (except in first line “there was conscription” should read “there was no conscription”…..typo!) Leaflet is excellent summary of facts