By Geoff Spencer
GEELONG — Wool scourers at E.P. Robinson are entering their eighth week on strike with no resolution to the dispute in sight. An unfair dismissal case in the Industrial Relations Commission on April 18 was inconclusive and adjourned to a much later date.
Following its failure to obtain an anti-picketing injunction in the Supreme Court, the company has resumed operations. It appears in a hurry to clean and clear its wool reserves. The dozen or so strike-breakers contracted by management and the Australian Workers Union are currently working around the clock.
Two trucking companies are assisting with the removal of the cleaned wool — Renfreys Transport and Sykes Transport. Last week, one of Renfreys' rigs had its headlights smashed as it crossed the picket line. Police dropped their threat to arrest the worker responsible after he said he would charge the driver with reckless and dangerous driving.
Despite police harassment of the picket line and the use of police to get strike-breakers across, morale of the picketing workers is high.
Donations to the strike fund should be sent to the Shearers and Rural Workers Union, PO Box 428, Ballarat, 3353. For information about solidarity actions contact (03) 9329 1277 or drop in to the picket line at 13 Bridge Street, Newtown, Geelong.