AMWU sets a militant way forward

May 1, 2002
Issue 

BY JUSTINE KAMPRAD

MELBOURNE — At its conference on April 22-23, the Victorian branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) mapped out ambitious industrial goals, condemned an internal investigation into the state branch, and stopped its membership of the ALP until a special conference is held in December to discuss the issue.

The conference adopted a motion explaining: "The union needs urgently to address its relationship with the ALP, especially in the light of the policy position taken by the federal Labor opposition in areas such as industrial relations, refugees and privatisation... Members of the union are fed up with being taken for granted by a party that lurches further to the right."

A union team will discuss with state ministers the problems in ALP policy — including promoting investment in manufacturing — and report-back in December. If the ALP does not meet the union's expectations, the union is likely to disaffiliate.

State secretary Craig Johnston, who is a member of the Socialist Alliance, said: "We are giving the [state ALP] government one last chance to lift its game. We think it's about time the Labor Party put its hand up to support working people."

While a number of rank-and-file members called for immediate disaffiliation, the vast majority of delegates, including members of the militant Workers First faction, supported the adopted motion as the best way to proceed.

The conference was boycotted by the vehicle division of the union. The leadership of this division is refusing to attend any union meetings also attended by Workers First members. This includes, for example, the womens' committee of the union, which I, a member of Workers First, attend.

As part of the motion to disaffiliate, the branch called on the national office to re-think its position of putting the ALP "on notice" for the next two years in favour of a stronger approach.

The AMWU's decision is not a surprise. The state government under Labor Premier Steve Bracks has aggressively attacked the Victorian AMWU, which is led by the militant Workers First grouping. Bracks has attempted to give coverage of some metal workplaces to unions such as the National Union of Workers, rather than the AMWU. The premier has also come under fire from the AMWU for his industrial relations policy, and lack of willingness to negotiate with unions.

In November, Bracks sent a letter to AMWU national secretary Doug Cameron accusing the Victorian AMWU leadership of damaging investment in the state.

This letter became a weapon against the branch in the arsenal of the national AMWU leadership, which promptly set up an internal investigation into the state branch, accusing it of "thuggery". The accusation was rationalised because of a fight between two union members at the races more than a year ago. No allegations have been made, however, against officials' behaviour at work, and no charges for breach of union rules have been laid against officials or members.

The investigation will be broader than the single incident — it will look at how the union is run. It is seeking submissions from other unions and employers. Most outrageously, Cameron has said that the findings will be made public, enabling any "evidence" found to be used against the AMWU in the royal commission into the building industry.

The state conference condemned the inquiry and demanded its immediate disbandment.

Pattern bargaining has become a trademark of the Worker's First leadership. By entering into workplace enterprise agreements which finish simultaneously, workers are able to increase wages and conditions across the board. The wages and conditions won by more militant and highly unionised sections, can then set the standard for the rest.

The conference voted to continue pattern bargaining, which has been extremely successful in winning better conditions and pay for workers' in Victoria.

The objectives set by the union for the next pattern bargain include: wage rises of at least 6% per year, insurance of workers incomes in case of long period of sickness, protection for workers' entitlements, implementation of a 35-hour week and improved long-service leave.

The round of bargaining will also seek to improve the rights of union delegates and shop stewards, increase the number of apprenticeships, improve occupational health and safety and increase regulation of contractors and casuals.

[Justine Kamprad was a rank-and-file delegate at the conference and is a member of the Democratic Socialist Party.]

From Green Left Weekly, May 1, 2002.
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.