Campaign to repeal 45D and E

Campaign to repeal 45D and E

MELBOURNE — A broad campaign to repeal sections 45 D and E of the Trade Practices Act (which prevent unions from protecting their members' rights through secondary boycotts) is being built around the independent Senator Janet Powell's plan to move a private members bill to this effect before the end of the year.

The Mobilisation for Social and Economic Justice, which is sponsored by a wide range of progressive organisations in Victoria, has decided to come behind the campaign. Independent MP Phil Cleary is also supporting the campaign.

Senator Powell's bill is along the lines of legislation presented by the Hawke government in 1984 but defeated in the Senate because the Democrats opposed it. Powell's bill will also seek to quarantine common law action in industrial disputes.

Official Labor and Democrat policy is for repeal of 45D and E, but these parties have tried to delay discussion of the issue until after the federal elections.

Leaflets explaining why 45D and E should be repealed and a petition are being distributed. The campaign can be contacted through Janet Powell's office: (03) 347 4477.

From GLW issue 78