Paul Benedek, Brisbane
More than 1000 workers from most unions attended a Queensland Council of Unions "Workers' Breakfast" on March 29, to protest against the enactment of the Howard government's Work Choices laws.
The crowd heard from former Big Brother contestant Tim Brunero, who asked where the fairness was in 16-year-old employees negotiating individual contracts with older, more powerful executives. The QCU's Grace Grace also spoke, stressing the need to support the ALP at the next federal election.
The rank-and-file unionists present were much more defiant. Many commented on the need to bring the example of the French worker and student strikes to Australia. "We should bring this country to a standstill — that's the only thing Howard will listen to", was a frequent refrain.
The QCU is organising a cross-union delegates' meeting on April 5 at 4pm at the Trades and Labor Council building. The "Light the Fuse" workers' rights tour through Queensland will conclude with a rally at noon in King George Square on April 7.
From Green Left Weekly, April 5, 2006.
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