5000 workers protest Howard's IR 'reforms'

May 11, 2005
Issue 

Sue Bull, Melbourne

In a massive show of defiance, 5000 building workers walked off the job on May 4 in protest against PM John Howard planned anti-union industrial relations legislation.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members crammed into Festival Hall where they were addressed by a number of speakers who outlined the details of the Howard government's IR "reform" plans.

Among these is a proposed Building and Construction Industry Improvement Bill that will be retrospective to March 10. It will cover supposed unlawful industrial action while imposing fines of $22,000 for individuals involved in "illegal" strikes.

Brian Boyd, the new Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) secretary, promised to unite all unions behind the campaign against the proposed IR laws so that the building unions would not have to fight alone.

Rebecca Barrios, education officer for the National Union of Students, congratulated the building workers who had defended students in a recent dispute at Deakin University. She said the unity shown in this dispute had led to victory and was an example of what workers, students and their supporters could do when they were united.

Rob Hulls, Victoria's attorney-general and industrial relations minister, sent a solidarity message to the meeting. Kim Carr, federal ALP spokesperson on industrial affairs, told the meeting that the Howard government dreams of reshaping not only the industrial landscape but also the social landscape through its planned attacks on pensions.

Liberty Victoria spokesperson Anne O'Rourke compared the contrasted the current rights of Australian workers with the deregulated, nightmarish situation in the USA.

Dave Noonan, CFMEU assistant national secretary, perhaps summed up the feeling of construction workers best, when he said: "It's no coincidence that we've been singled out for the main attack. It's because we've been effective. We won't be silenced, we won't be beaten and however long it takes we will defeat this government.

"Rank-and-file workers enthusiastically endorsed this approach and pledged to turn out in force for the VTHC-called June 30 stoppage and rally against the Howard government's anti-union agenda.The CFMEU mass meeting had an immediate impact. The Master Builders Association of Victoria took out a full-page advertisement in the next day's Melbourne Herald Sun builders and contractors not to sign the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) that the CFMEU has negotiated with several large building companies in Victoria. The ad stated: "If you are forced by the CFMEU to give up or replace your current EBA — that's coercion and it's unlawful." The ad claimed that if building industry bosses did sign the agreement, they would jeopardise contracts for future work with the federal government.

From Green Left Weekly, May 11, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.