In the latest move Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU) national assistant secretary Michael Kaine is showing solidarity with truck drivers striking in protest over government attempts to lower pay, make sackings easier, and muzzle trade unions.
Mr Kaine’s visit follows one by TWU national secretary and ITF inland transport sections chair Tony Sheldon in July to meet with jailed truck driver union leader, Lee Jae-shik, who received a 10-month sentence after a peaceful strike of owner drivers. “Australian truck drivers stand together with their brothers and sisters in Korea to demand safe rates, and to make jobs sustainable and roads safer,” Tony Sheldon commented. His visit was part of a coordinated high level mission to support the victimised trade union leaders and protest against their treatment (see http://goo.gl/pCQfJm).
Alongside Michael Kaine’s visit to support the truck drivers a joint ITF/PSI (Public Services International) and affiliate mission will also be responding to union requests to hold the government to account over its behaviour during the upcoming strikes.
Meanwhile, in Australia, as part of its safe rates campaign the TWU has launched a petition with an aim to urge the New South Wales Government to make 30-day payment mandatory for transport operators across the state.
Follow the news on the Korea strike and international solidarity with the unions at the hashtag #KoreanStrike4Justice.
