MELBOURNE— Locked-out Hazelwood power station workers and supporters staged a protest outside International Power's offices on July 31. The Latrobe Valley emergency service officers employed by contractor Diamond Protection, were locked out after taking industrial action over a claim for pay parity.
The workers, members of the mining and energy division of the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union, were joined by supporters from other unions and environmental organisations. The protest brought its message to Melbourne office workers on their lunch break, with speakers and chants of "Dare to struggle, dare to win! If you don't fight, you lose!"
Environmentalists are campaigning for Hazelwood power station to be closed down. A July 25 meeting of climate groups adopted a resolution stating: "We would like to see a transition to renewable energy from coal-fired power, but we are serious about ensuring justice as part of this transition. As part of our commitment, we are sending this message of support for [the locked-out workers'] struggle."