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Union appeal for funds for Australian bushfire victims
12 February 2009
Australian trade unions have launched an appeal for funds for the victims of the devastating bushfires that have been sweeping across southern Australia.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and individual trade unions, including ITF affiliates, have set up a fund to assist victims of the bushfires as they seek to rebuild their lives. One hundred and eighty-one deaths have been confirmed; dozens are missing. Some 500 people have been injured and almost 1,000 homes destroyed.
Unions have so far pledged AU$250,000 (ca US$162,000). The money will be donated via the Australian Red Cross. Meanwhile, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has also set up a fund with pledges already coming in from ships and ports. Union fund-raising is now being co-coordinated with the ACTU and the Transport Workers’ Union and the Rail Tram and Bus Union.
MUA National Secretary and ITF Asia/Pacific Vice-President Paddy Crumlin said: “It has been and continues to be an emotional and difficult time for those directly affected and their communities, but more generally here as well.
“The ACTU and individual unions, including ITF affiliates, have been quick to establish appeal funds and it is the intention to have employers at least match the donations of union members.”
ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said he was heartened by the efforts to offer aid to the victims, by the groundswell of support among the Australian people and by the work of the firefighters, emergency and welfare services and charities. The ITF has pledged to make a contribution to the fund.
To make a donation, visit: www.actu.asn.au/bushfireappeal
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