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JOHN
HOWARD SUES SA WORKERS - IS SA NEXT? The Federal Government is taking these workers to court in Perth. They need your support. Send a message to - http://www.rightsatwork.com.au/campaigns/supportthe107
29 August 2006
Today the true nastiness of the Howard Government's Industrial Laws begins to bite, with the federal government suing ordinary workers for daring to stand up for their work rights.
SA Unions is staging a rally in Victoria Square, as part of a national campaign to support the 107 West Australian rail workers and their families who have been targeted for prosecution by the Federal Government's notorious Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).
SA Unions Secretary Janet Giles says the federal government is prosecuting 107 building workers and threatening to take their family homes because in February they took alleged industrial action to defend a sacked workmate.
"This is the first time workers have been taken to court under the new laws. The ABCC wants the Federal Court to impose fines of $28,600 against 107 building workers involved in the Perth to Mandurah rail project because they stood up against the unfair sacking of their safety delegate Peter Ballard. The ABCC also wants the court to order that the workers pay the federal government's court costs."
"Some of these families could lose their homes, and even be jailed if they can't find the money to pay the penalty."
"It may be the first prosecution, but it won't be the last while the Liberals are in power. It is no secret the ABCC is lining up prosecutions in other states, including South Australia."
"We are urging workers to come out and rally in support of their WA colleagues, because there is a very real possibility that South Australian workers could be next."
"John Howard needs to understand his harsh laws are unfairly punishing people who are simply standing on principle to defend a wronged workmate. It is a sad day when ordinary Australians are denied the freedom to speak out against unfairness."
"These laws are wrong - if the government won't get rid of them, then the people must get rid of the government", Ms Giles says.
SA workers will rally in defence of their WA colleagues at 12 noon today, Victoria Square.
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