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 (Oct 11). 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.

The meeting of trade unionists represented a variety of industries from construction and manufacturing to hospitality and education. The attendees ranged from union leaders, John Short (AMWU) and Andrew Gohl (AEU), and a layer of active oganisers to an extremely healthy group of shop stewards and militant activists. ALP State MP Gay Thompson also graced the meeting with her presence.

Justin Feehan, an orgainser from the CFMEU chaired the meeting and Dan Murphy, one of the main organisers of the SAWDC, opened proceedings. Dan welcomed all present, and outlined the role of the SAWDC especially against the backdrop of the Howard government stepping up its campaign
on IR in recent days. The groups aim is to build links between the union movement and community groups as well as too assist workers when they are in dispute. SAWDC has also been playing a good role in protesting against the IR laws when ever Liberal Party MP's dare to attend public
events.

Jodie Schluter was the first speaker, she has been heavily involved in both researching and writing a report about the exploitation of young workers in South Australia. The report, Dirt Cheap and Disposable, was recently launched and uncovers the appalling situation for young workers
not only in SA but right across the country.

Anthony Main was the next speaker and was invited from Melbourne to report on the activities that are taking place in Victoria against Howard's IR laws. Anthony spoke about the formation of Union Solidarity groups similar to the SAWDC in Victoria. He explained both the role that Union Solidarity had already been playing in industrial disputes and in the building for the mass rally on November 15. Anthony reported that recent disputes had sparked a healthy discussion within the union movement in Melbourne as to how we can defeat these laws industrially and what sort of political solution will be necessary.

Good discussions were had after both speakers and a real fighting mood was present especially amongst the rank and file. Over $90 was raised for the SAWDC fighting fund and the Southern District Workingmens' Club announced that they would donate a keg of beer to the next fund raising
activity. It was also agreed that the SAWDC would send a delegate to Melbourne for a few days to share ideas and experiences. Ideally this would coincide with the November 15 rally. SAWDC further agreed to purchase 200 Union Solidarity badges to sell as another fund raising venture.

More groups like the SAWDC and Union Solidarity are bound to spring up around the country as the IR issue come to a head. They will prove to play an important role on an industrial level and will help workers to realize the sort of political leadership that will be required to not only defeat the IR laws but to ensure that the working class gets back on the offensive.