And where is the ACTU?

February 15, 1995
Issue 

By Jennifer Thompson

You could be excused for not knowing it, but the ACTU has some policy positions that are relevant and useful in the current debate about woodchipping. Sadly, the peak union body is being unusually reticent about expressing its views on developing a timber industry that is sustainable, both ecologically and in employment security.

Comments by ACTU organiser Bob Richardson give the impression that the ACTU is solidly behind the destructive practices of the timber companies. On February 1, during the blockade of Parliament House, Richardson said that forest workers would continue to log the disputed areas even if the federal government stopped the export of woodchips. "We are going into the forests in strength, and greenies better stay away", he said.

Richardson's comments contradict the ACTU policy framed in the 1991 congress resolution on Environment and Sustainable Development. The resolution balances maintaining a modern forest products industry with ensuring the long-term ecological sustainability of Australian forests, especially native forests.

It states that "where ecological sustainability cannot be ensured logging in native forests should be banned" and supports the "expansion of softwood and hardwood plantations to meet future demands for forest products".

The December 1992 charter signed by the ACTU and Australian Conservation Foundation also commits the ACTU to support for economic growth that is "sustainable, ecologically sensitive and which creates real jobs".

The Australian Education Union, in a resolution adopted at its annual conference on January 20, condemned Richardson's comments as inconsistent with ACTU policy and damaging to the union movement. "The statements do nothing to safeguard long-term employment in the forestry industry, but defend the worst practices of employers ... who have failed to productively invest in favour of short-term profit."

The Australian Services Union's Victorian Clerical and Administrative Branch has also taken a public anti-woodchipping position, in favour of protecting areas of high conservation value.

Differences within the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Engineering Union (CFMEU) have opened over the forestry division's support for woodchipping and hostility toward the environmental movement.

ACTU assistant secretary Jennie George told Green Left Weekly that the ACTU doesn't have a specific policy on woodchipping but reaffirmed the basic ACTU policy of "moving logging out of native forests of high conservation value and placing more emphasis on plantations".

But at a time of urgent need for the ACTU to follow through on its official policy, it has not even seriously attempted to join the debate.

There is willingness from many ACTU affiliates to force the government and industry to develop sustainable alternatives to commercial logging in old growth forests and to meet the immediate needs of timber workers. The ACTU is dragging its heels, once again falling in behind the ALP government's pandering to the profit interests of business over the interests of workers.

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.