RALLY TOLD HOWARD'S
AUSTRALIA NOT WHAT DIGGERS FOUGHT FOR
4 May 2005
About 1500 workers and their families rallied in
Victoria Square in the first of many efforts to resist the Howard
Government's demolition of the Industrial Relations System.
Some workers came straight from building sites,
others brought their children, and many carried banners reflecting
union pride. There was a strong focus on construction workers,
although more than 20 unions were represented.
CFMEU State Secretary Martin O'Malley, told the
rally that with memories of Anzac Day fresh, John Howard's plan for
Australia is bleak.
"John Howard's attack on hard won workers rights
is not the sort of Australia that diggers fought and died for.
Their spirit was one of mateship, relying on each other and mutual
support. John Howard wants to smash unions and end mateship
and unity."
"We want to retain the Anzac spirit, and will
fight tooth and nail against John Howard's efforts to Americanise
the industrial system, where workers are trying to survive on $5 an
hour", Mr O'Malley said.
CFMEU Federal Secretary, John Sutton says he was
heartened by the turnout, despite the threat of legal action by the
Commonwealth.
"Under the federal government's plan workers
could be sued retrospectively just for attending this rally.
Meanwhile, the Federal Minister snubs workers in preference for a
plush lunch with bosses," Mr Sutton said.
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union
Secretary, John Camillo told the crows that the federal government
wants to destroy the award system, remove rights, and reduce minimum
wages.
"We won't give up. Workers will continue
to support each other and stand up for the underdog. We
won't allow workplaces to be divided and our colleagues to be
treated unfairly. We will present a united front and ensure
that our workers, the people who keep this country going, don't lose
their rights."
ALP Senator elect, Anne McEwen said that as a
proud member of the Australian Services Union, she would not let the
Howard government's attack spoil celebration of the Union's
centenary this year.
"Despite the fact that more Australian's support
unions than don't support them, Howard still wants to get rid of us.
We have been around for 100 years, and we will keep fighting and
stay around for another 100 or more."
"The reality is there is bugger all the ALP can
do to stop Howard when he gets control of the Senate, but I will
work hard with my colleagues to do whatever I can to curb the worst
of this awful legislation. The support of workers, who are the
voters of Australia, is vital. Our rights at work are worth
fighting for, and fight we will," Ms McEwen says.