Geelong fights back

Issue 

Sue Bull, Geelong

Ten-thousand workers jammed the streets of Geelong in the pouring rain on June 30 to protest PM John Howard's proposed anti-union legislation.

Not only was every union represented, but pensioners, young children, disabled workers, refugees, women's groups and many others proudly marched through the streets.

The Geelong Advertiser devoted six pages to the rally, with headlines including "People power drives protest", "Geelong fights work reforms" and "United they stand against government plans".

Tim Gooden, Geelong Trades Hall secretary, said: "The reason why one in 20 Geelong residents turned up today is to show that they are prepared to stand by each other and fight these laws. I reckon the first employer who tries to implement Howard's laws in this town, will face a massive response from the trade union movement and community combined.

"People in regional and country areas really feel injustices like this. They've experienced over a decade of privatisation and withdrawal of services and this latest stuff just takes the cake. Howard had better be careful that this isn't the straw that breaks the camel s back because we don't fuck around in Geelong!"

From Green Left Weekly, July 6, 2005.
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