About one hundred union and community activists, from Portland, Geelong, Warrnambool and Melbourne successfully stopped construction work at the Woodside Gas Plant in Port Campbell yesterday (Wed 13 Dec). The action was in response to a continuing campaign by management and sub-contractors at the plant of reducing working conditions and undermining of union activity.

Recent developments has seen workers being obliged to work six to seven days a week on 12 hour shifts, mass sackings of trade union members, intimidation of an Occupation Health and Safety delegate and workers being informed that if they take an agreed industry holiday they will be viewed as “abandoning their employment”.

A community assembly covering three gates was established by 5am well before the scheduled starting time. The action took management totally by surprise and there was no organised attempt to break the line. Construction workers listened to speeches and indicated their desire to take the industry holiday break rather than being forced back to work shortly after New Years Day.

One worker expressed thanks, the day off gave him a chance to send some quality time with his family and attend his daughter school sports day. Again the community have stood up and taken action to protect decent working conditions. Wednesday’s action was the third community assembly at plant since October 2006.

Background: October 20 Assembly | November 10 Assembly

Labels: Community Assemblies, Port Campbell