Union Solidarity: Network

Past News

Black GST Camp wrap up

Success and celebration
The Black GST declares that as of Saturday our action in Kings Domain in Melbourne is complete. We claim victory, having attained our goals for the Stolenwealth Games campaign.

In line with principles of sovereignty, we recognise Camp Sovereignty in its own right and hand over responsibility for the future of the camp to the people who make up Camp Sovereignty (to be negotiated with Boon Wurrung owners of the land).

In the next couple of days we will be announcing a night of celebration and reflection on the Stolenwealth Games campaign, to be held about a week from now, somewhere in Melbourne.

So stay tuned!

More Info: www.blackgst.com

Greg Combet tips a campaign of civil disobedience

"I am not going to be intimidated from trying to protect people from unfair treatment — that's our job, even though it's being made illegal...And I for one will not be paying fines for doing it."

Greg Combet responding to the proclaiming of repressive industrial relations laws that make many union activities illegal. 400 extra pages of details were released yesterday after the SA and Tasmanian state elections. The industrial relations minister has unprecedented powers to intervene into workplace agreements.

More info: Age Article | Sydney Morning Herald Article |

The attacks on unions in the regulations were profound, but not surprising

"If the unions play by the new rules, every single thing they try to do will be on the minister's desk within 24 hours on some issues and one week for the others...The new role of the [Industrial Relations] Commission and the Employer Advocate is essentially to be the eyes and ears of the [Federal Government]"

Deputy director of Sydney University's Industrial Relations Research Centre, Dr John Buchanan.

More Info: Sydney Morning Herald Article

BLACK GST Solidarity Day

Solidarity Day Tuesday 21 March

The Black GST invites all Traditional Owners, Indigenous people, Supporters and media to our solidarity day at Camp Sovereignty

12pm: Ceremony (Inc Carolyn Briggs, Boon Wurrung)
BBQ lunch
Panel (on the Black GST - Genocide, Sovereignty and Treaty)

21 March: UN International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination

Camp Sovereignty, Kings Domain (off St Kilda Road, behind Myer Music Bowl – look out for flags and tents). Please visit info and media tent upon entry. Thankyou! If you can’t make it, please send a message of solidarity to blackgst@hotmail.com

Please wear your Black GST t-shirt on the day or buy one at camp.

Eight Hour Day

2006 is the 150th Anniversary of the 8 hour day achieved for workers in Victoria - and a first in the world!

Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the 8 hour day through music, song, readings and narration.

This commemoration will be a presentation and re-enactment ot the 8 hour day, telling the story of protect in early Melbourne and the impulse for reform.

Join: Danny Spooner, Duncan Brown, Beth Quin, Dennis O'Keefe, and the Victorian Trade Union Choir.

Saturday 25th March, 8.15pm
Victorian Trades Hall
Lygon Street, Carlton
Contact Pam Rowley, ph 9439 1853/0417110837 or email prowley@relax.com.au

Cost $20 ($16 concession)

Rally to defend Peter Vining.

CEPU (Australia Post) delegate sacked for doing his job!

9am. Fri 17 March
Magistrates Court
William St

Peter Vining, a CEPU delegate was sacked late last year (2005) for allegedly telling off a custumer. The CEPU (Posties Union) have vigorously contested the verbal evidence used against Peter Vining. In fact they have stated that

"Peter did not even talk to the woman. He even had witnesses to back him up. We are alleging that the management have colluded to 'get rid of' a strong and effective shop steward."

More info

Labels: Australia Post, Community Protest, Peter Vining

Sacred fire established and camp secured peacefully

The Black GST movement celebrated today as the Sacred Fire for peace and justice – the fire brought down from the Aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra – was established in Kind’s Domain in Melbourne today (Sun 12 March). At least 300 Indigenous people and Supporters attended and supported the establishment of the fire and participated in a ceremony of respect for the fire. Thanks were offered to the Bunerong people, the owners of the land, for permission to camp there. A support message from the Yorta Yorta people - who hosted a ceremony yesterday as the fire was brought across Dhungala/the sacred Murray river - was read out.

All Indigenous people and supporters are invited to visit the camp and to stay. From Flinders St station, it’s a quick walk (or very quick tram ride) over Princes Bridge, past the Arts Centre and up into the King’s Domain gardens – just look out for the Aboriginal flags.

Camp is at the Lorimer St/St Kilda Rd corner. Please BYO picnic food. If you can donate food or camp infrastructure bring it along too.

More info: Maya 0412 134 979 | Other G.S.T events | Black G.S.T website : www.blackgst.com

University management cuts funding to Student Union

Swinburne University management on Friday 10 March informed Swinburne University Student Union (SSU) that all funding for the rest of the year will be cut. Over the next week, SSU will be creating a PR campaign in order to publicly defend the Student Union and the students it represents.

SSU need contacts whom are prepared to assist in this campaign it be resources, public speakers willing defend unionism or other contacts that may be interested in assisting in the campaign.

More info: SSU 9819-2256 | pres@ssu.edu.au | 2501139@bud.swin.edu.au | 0423-210-235

Workers and Communities Solidarity Picnic

Defend Workers' Rights and Conditions - Defend Community Living Standards

Sunday, 2 April
1.00 pm Yarraville Gardens
Corner Hyde St. and Somerville Rd
more info | Download leaflet: English version | Spanish version | Greek version

Central Branch meeting

The next meeting of the Central Branch of Union Solidarity will be on March 15th @ 6.00pm, MUA Office, 46 Ireland St West Melbourne.

Commemoration for Bill Hartley

Trades Hall Bar
Thursday 9th March
from 5pm.

"We pass on our condolences to the family and friends of Bill Hartley who helped start the station (3CR) 30 years ago. Bill was a broadcaster on Par Avion and a familiar voice on many programmes including talk back shows about the Middle East. Bill died in Geraldton Western Australia editing a recording as part of a new aboriginal media association radio station there."

Tribute to Bill given at a recent benefit for the Squatters & Unwaged Workers Airwaves show.

Background: Brief Overview of Bill's Life | Tribute by Kevin Healy

Labels: Bill Hartley, Vale

International Women's Day

8th March 2006
5.30pm State Library
Corner Swanston & LaTrobe Streets
Melbourne

In 2006 the demands of IWD are "Stop the war on our unions, civil liberties and working peoples' rights. Women unite in struggle against racism, sexism, imperialism and poverty".

International Women's Day originated in the USA, when women garment workers held demonstrations protesting against their appalling and dangerous working conditions. learn more

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