SOUTH AFRICA: Unions support Australian workers

On June 29, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) picketed the Johannesburg offices of BHP Billiton in solidarity with Australian unions fighting against the government's draconian anti-worker laws. A COSATU statement noted that "These are the very same workers who were with us during the dark and painful days of Apartheid. They did not hesitate to take to the street so that South African workers may be free. Therefore, we cannot fold our arms when the Howard government treats our Australian brothers and sisters like subhuman beings." On July 11, COSATU representatives delivered a memorandum to Australian high commissioner Philip Green condemning the Howard government's attacks.

From Green Left Weekly, July 19, 2006.

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From GLW issue 675