At rallies across Australia today over half a millions workers have rallied or attended meetings to protest the Howard government's draconian workplace laws. In Melbourne official union estimates put the crowd of the huge rally at over 260,000; significantly larger than the June 30 IR protest. The mood of the crowd was calm but determined as many workers attended the rally in spite of legal threats from their employers and moves to stop workers taking leave. An estimated 100 schools were closed and the major streets in the central CBD were effectively closed to traffic for 5 hours.

What is the next step forward? Are the fighting words of the ACTU a portent of a serious industrial and community action to take on Howard or an extended launch to elect an ALP federal government? At a debate sponsored by the ETU after the rally officials from three major unions expressed doubt on the wisdom of relying on the Labor party. A plan was outlined to reform the ALP from within to make elected ALP parliamentarians more accountable to workers needs. Others at the meeting stated that this plan has been tried and failed in the past. Whatever the merits of the different ideas in the movement three things remain clear.

1. The desperate need to keep the momentum of the campaign
2. Building real rank & file union strength
3. Forging solidarity with sections of the community who are also under attack.

Melbourne Photos [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ] New Zealand workers rally in support | larger than expected rallies Australia wide | Sydney rally report | Sydney photos | Smaller Centres NSW | Adelaide photos | Perth photos | Problems with media coverage | Wikinews report | Workers Online Editorial | IndyMedia coverage

Union Solidarity would like to thank Indymedia Melbourne and Workers Online for their wonderful coverage and photos.