Unions to boycott Werribee toxic dump

By Ben Reid

MELBOURNE — Trade unions have pledged to oppose construction of the Werribee toxic waste dump. The Australian Workers Union, whose members would build and operate the facility, has indicated that it may black-ban the dump.

The Werribee dump is a project of the CSR corporation. Supported by the state government, the dump is to be located within two kilometres of the fastest growing suburb of Melbourne.

Other unions, including the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, the Transport Workers Union and the Electrical Trades Union, met on May 11 and decided to black-ban the project and another dump planned for Niddrie.

Joanne Ryan from Werribee Residents Against Toxic Waste welcomed the decision. "News of union support has increased the community's commitment and confidence to continue the campaign. Meanwhile, we are continuing our campaign, urging the Environment Protection Agency and the local council to prevent the dump from going ahead. We are continuing with our pickets and calling on people to boycott CSR products."

The next event in the campaign is a World Environment Day rally on June 5 at 5pm outside the Victorian parliament building.

From GLW issue 318