Thiess workers fight for jobs

The picket against construction company Thiess in Rhodes, Western Sydney, has continued for more than a month. On July 23, protesters gathered at the picket in support of the four recently sacked workers.

Supporters came from the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU), the Electrical Trades Union, the Public Services Association, Unions NSW, the Rail Tram and Bus Union, the Greens and the Socialist Alliance.

The workers — Nigel Gould, Peter Carr, Peter Riikonen and Andrew Jones — all have young families to support. They were sacked in early June, despite having been told there was plenty of work available. The dispute arose after the workers refused to accept a deal that would have forced them to take annual leave in the event of machinery breakdowns, and strip them of rostered days off, in exchange for a 1% pay rise.

Thiess has used labour-hire workers, including backpackers, to replace the sacked workers. This is despite the company's assurance that the lay-offs were due to a downturn in work.

Supported by the CFMEU, other unions and the community, the community protests will continue every Thursday, condemning Thiess' intimidation, calling for the reinstatement of the sacked workers and protection of all workers from Work Choices-style agreements. All supporters are welcome to attend. The picket is a short walk from Rhodes station.

From GLW issue 804