Stuart Martin, Melbourne

The depth of opposition to the federal government’s proposed changes to industrial relations laws has spurred the formation of a number of suburban groups committed to defending trade unions and working conditions.

The first local union solidarity groups were formed in Melbourne city, initiated by activist Dave Kerin, and in the western suburbs, initiated by Shirley Winton. Since then, groups have formed in Campbellfield, Darebin, Heidelberg and Port Melbourne, and there are plans to establish groups on the Mornington Peninsula, in the Dandenong area, and in Brunswick/Coburg.

The groups aim to establish strong networks that can support unions and communities under attack from the government by distributing information about the issues, supporting workers in industrial disputes in their local area, and linking the broader community to trade unions.

Well-attended public meetings have already been held in Footscray, Port Melbourne and Campbellfield, and meetings are being organised in Darebin (October 17), Heidelberg and Campbellfield.

A fundraising event held at the MUA hall on August 6 raised more than $7000 towards a “war-chest” for the groups.

The western suburbs group has asked the Maribyrnong Council to support the campaign and is conducting weekend information stalls in local shopping areas. The central Melbourne group is planning an information stall in the city on August 27 at 10am.

For more information, phone Dave Kerin on 0412 484 094 or visit <http://www.unionsolidarity.org>.

From Green Left Weekly, August 24, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

Tools

• Bookmark This Page
• Print This Page