S11 Alliance calls for trade union support
BY JORGE JORQUERA
MELBOURNE — The S11 Alliance has issued a call for trade unionists to support the non-violent three-day blockade of the World Economic Forum's summit at the Crown Casino beginning September 11. The alliance is seeking endorsements from trade unions and has invited the Trade Hall Council-organised rally on September 12 to march to the blockade.
The alliance's call reads:
"Dear friends,
"The World Economic Forum is holding its Asia-Pacific Summit in Melbourne on September 11-13. The WEF involves all the world's major corporations and government policy-makers. It establishes agendas for so-called "economic reform". In other words, the WEF is a central player in promoting the economic rationalist agenda we are so familiar with: privatisation, anti-union laws, destruction of welfare and other public sector cutbacks.
"The S11 Alliance was formed earlier this year to help coordinate community protests against the WEF agenda.
"We were happy to hear that the Victorian trade unions have decided to organise a rally in protest at the WEF on September 12. The S11 Alliance is keen to promote all trade union and community displays of opposition to the WEF agenda. As a focus for this opposition, the S11 Alliance has organised a three-day, non-violent blockade of the WEF meeting at Crown Towers. This blockade will begin 7 am on Monday September 11.
"We would like to encourage trade unionists to participate throughout the duration of the blockade. In particular, the S11 Alliance would like to invite the trade union rally to march to the blockade and establish a trade union platform to raise and promote the trade union movements' particular concerns about the WEF agenda.
"Further, we would like to ask for your trade union's support for the blockade, in the form of endorsements, donations or logistical assistance."
For further information or to sign the letter contact, Jorge Jorquera on 0417 588 628, fax (03) 9639 8452 or email <melbourne@greenleft.org.au>. Send donation cheques to "S11 Alliance Office", RMIT Student Representative Council, Melbourne 3000.