Chris Williams, Wollongong
Being part of the May Day protests this year is more crucial than ever, south-coast trade union legend Fred Moore told Green Left Weekly.
"This year we've seen the most devastating industrial laws come in; our very right to organise is under threat", he said. "We need masses of people to fill the streets on May Day to protest these changes and to make common cause with workers struggling all around the world."
The Wollongong May Day march will rally under the banner of "Workers of the World Unite!" and will be addressed by the charge d'affaires at Venezuela's embassy in Australia, Nelson Davila. "It's so important we hear from Venezuela because it's a great honour to see workers make real gains under such adversity in that country. Their resources, like ours in Australia, are under attack from the transnational companies, but the workers are fighting back", Moore said.
May Day in Wollongong will make four key demands on the Howard government: No to Work Choices; Repeal "voluntary student unionism"; No welfare-to-work; and Defend civil liberties. "May Day is the workers' day where all struggles come together. It's vital that people come out because when workers unite we can beat anything", concluded Moore.
The Wollongong march will meet at Fred Moore House (Lowden Square) on May 6 at 10.30am. For more information, phone 0425 201 828 or email <joannek@uow.edu.au>.
From Green Left Weekly, May 3, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.