|
|
|
Change low graphic options | Change language | Skip content to navigation
Page context: Home > News online
Transport workers take on anti-worker laws in Australia
18 November 2005
Australian transport workers joined over half a million of their compatriots in a rally this week against new anti-union laws introduced by the Liberal government of Prime Minister John Howard.
The 15 November rallies - linked by a satellite TV hook-up at over 300 venues across the country - were hailed a success by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), as over 200,000 marched in Melbourne, and in excess of 150,000 across New South Wales.
ITF affiliates across the globe supported the Australian workers by sending messages voicing concern about the changes to Australian diplomatic missions. These included a solidarity pledge from British union the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.
“We are really buoyed by the solidarity shown by all our affiliates,” commented ITF National Co-ordinator for Australia, Dean Summers.
The laws, dubbed as “WorkChoices” by the conservative government, overthrow a century old system founded on principles of fairness and equity, replacing it with an approach based on market forces and individual contracts.
The laws are proving very unpopular; opinion polls show as many as 80 per cent of Australians oppose the changes. Working people are actively campaigning against the laws through grassroots committees and organisations, backed by national TV advertisements.
“We have a total commitment to challenging these laws at every opportunity,” said Summers.
Support for the ACTU rallies was reflected in the reaction of ITF affiliate the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
“I am so proud of RTBU members across the country,” said National Secretary Bob Hayden. “We won’t be backing down over this.”
ITF General Secretary David Cockroft condemned the repressive laws in a message delivered to the Australian High Commissioner in London, UK, and called on affiliates to show solidarity.
Related pages:
Australian Govt new anti-union laws
The Australian Government is introducing repressive new...
Back to current news online stories
Section home:
News online
Other pages for News online:
About News Online | What is RSS | ITF Headlines on your Website
RSS feeds
Download our free RSS news feeds:
English |Español |Français |Deutsch |Svenska
What is RSS?
Main Sections:
Home | About us | Solidarity | Flags of Convenience campaign | Seafarers | Dockers | Civil Aviation | Railways | Road transport | Urban Transport | Fisheries | Tourism | Inland Navigation | Education | Young workers | Women | ETF Home | Congress 2010
Transport International Magazine
accessibility | site help | site map
ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR | +44 20 7403 2733 | mail@itf.org.uk
