Seminar to debate union disaffiliation from ALP

BY LISA MACDONALD

SYDNEY — A public seminar being organised by the Socialist Alliance, to be held on May 11 in Parramatta Town Hall, will present militant trade unionists with an opportunity to discuss key political issues confronting workers and trade unions.

John Buchanan from the Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training will present the latest research findings on the impact on working people of the federal government's anti-union attacks.

Michael Bull, a state management committee member of the construction division of the Victorian Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union will outline the CFMEU's response to the royal commission into the building industry. He will also discuss the surge in support for militant trade unionism in Victoria.

The seminar will also debate the trade unions' relationship to the ALP. Peter McClelland, president of the NSW construction division of the CFMEU, will talk about union representation in the ALP and the Labor leadership's assault on the 60:40 rule.

In the wake of recent resignations from the ALP by high profile union leaders and the decision by several unions to disaffiliate from the party, trade union affiliation to the ALP will be debated by two Socialist Alliance members. Phil Sandford from the Workers' League will argue for continued affiliation, while Sam Wainwright from the Democratic Socialist Party will argue for disaffiliation.

For more information, phone Sam 0412 751 508 or Michael 0418 450 812.

From Green Left Weekly, May 1, 2002.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 490