It is no coincidence that the Liberal government is attempting to pass two draconian laws in the same week, the Anti-terror and Industrial Relation laws. Although the stated purpose of the Anti-terror laws is to prevent terrorism many fear that the real purpose of the law is to curb civil dissent against government policies. There is a long history of governments using these types of laws against trade unions. Please click on the link below and respond to the Open letter to Labor premiers.

Open letter to Labor premiers | Unions NSW warning on terrow laws

A public meeting sponsored by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

October 25. Tuesday 7pm-9pm
AMWU office 3rd Floor, 440 Elizabeth St, Melbourne.

Speakers:

• Martin Kingham – CFMEU Victorian Secretary
• Rob Stary – Lawyer and Community Campaigner
• Anne O’Rourke – Civil Liberties Vic
• Les Thomas – Justice for Jack Campaign

More information
9230 5700
Chris Spindler 0425 784 819

The Yarra City Council on Tuesday 11th October passed a motion restricting the council contracts to organizations with collective workplace agreements. This has created a bridgehead for other Councils to follow; if all ALP or Green-influenced Councils followed this lead it would protect tens of thousands of workers from individual contracts. Contractors at Councils employ some of the lowest paid workers in Australia, including staff delivering 'Meals on Wheels'.

Workers and trade unionists, including Phil Cleary, and many comrades from Union Solidarity spoke brilliantly of the low wages faced by those working for contractors, and of the new IR regime of terror Howard is introducing. They all called for Councillors to vote for 'the Jolly motion'. Well done to the all of the trade unionists that turned up on the night and also especially to the ETU, CWU and Union Solidarity comrades who helped get this motion over the line. Hopefully this is a decision that will hopefully have national consequences.

Previous Article | EBA motion

1. Will the current conditions enjoyed by the workers at Coburg Leisure Complex be maintained by a change in the tenderer. If so why was this not sated in the executive recommendation to council?

2. How will the council ensure that conditions currently enjoyed by workers are maintained over the life of the tender?

3. What will the council do if wages, employment security and conditions are reduced by any future tenderer?

4. How will staff contact council if wage and conditions are reduced?

5. What mechanisms are in place to ensure that elected workers delegates and OH&S representatives receive adequate training and security of employment?

6. In case of an industrial dispute how will the council prevent any private tenderer from taking advantage of Howard’s anti-union IR laws?

Moreland Peace Group is holding a Multicultural Festival for Iraqi Children, Saturday 5 November 2005 at Coburg Town Hall 90 Bell Street Coburg From 2pm until 11pm.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to Doctors for Iraq Society, a volunteer medical relief organisation. Activities include: Children's workshops, music, dance, food, craft stalls, art exhibition, video, speakers.

Comedian Rod Quantock will MC.
Featuring "La Kasbah" and Bryony Morgan.

more details.

AAWL Open Day, Back by popular demand!
A day of discussion on international solidarity with union activists & international guests

Saturday 22 October 10 am - 5 pm
Trades Hall, 54 Victoria Street Carlton South

Download your open day program here:
http://users.bigpond.com/aawl/open_day_05_web/index.htm

More details

South Australian workers getting organised against Howard's IR laws

Just over 40 people attended the Southern Adelaide Workers Defence Committee (SAWDC) meeting held in Morphett Vale, Adelaide on Tuesday night. This was the third meeting of the newly formed group, and the two main speakers were Jodie Schluter, co-ordinator of the SA Young Workers Network and Socialist Party National Organiser, Anthony Main...
....more details

Southern Adelaide Workers Defence Committee Website.
http://www.geocities.com/southernworkers/

The Hume Community and Union Solidarity Group are having a public forum on Thursday 27th October at Wiseman House, 30 WIdford Street, Glenroy. Starts at 7pm

Say No to Howards Industrial Laws.

Speakers include:

Maria Vamvakinou Federal Labor member for Calwell
Martin Kingham Secretary of Construction Union
Marcus Clayton Industrial lawyer, Slater & Gordon
Antony McMullen Social Justice Officer, Uniting Church - Vic/Tas

The Central Branch of Union Solidarity meets every 2nd Wednesday.

Time: 6pm
Where: MUA Office, 46 Ireland St, West Melbourne

Upcoming dates: November 22 |

New: We now have an online form where you can register as a contact with Union Solidarity. The purpose of the list is to generate a pool of people that are able to provide assistance to community assemblies and disputes.

Find out about the next meeting in a location nearest you

The Yarra City Council is having a meeting at the Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Rd Richmond on Tuesday 11th October at 7.30pm to discuss employees holding contracts with the council.

The Council as outlined in its current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with Yarra Staff which believes in the promotion of people (life/family) friendly work environment and a respected and supported staff. Council recognised that such work environment is underpinned by secure employment and reasonable wages and conditions.

Council recognises this to be true for employees regardless of whether they are employed by Council or by enterprises that hold contracts with the Council. Council will ensure that the employees of enterprises holding contracts with council are protected by the appropriate certified enterprise agreement.

The intent of this is that the employees of contractors are protected by arrangements equivalent to those that apply directly employed Council staff. Council will do this by requiring that enterprises be bound by the appropriate enterprise agreement as a condition of eligibility to tender for Council contracts and through out the life of the contract.

The Socialist Party Councillor Steve Jolly is urging the Yarra community and union members and officials, to come along and support this resolution.

Report back of Yarra Council EBA meeting.