About: Actions

Union Solidarity aims to build a mass based united front campaign on the ground to defeat the repressive IR laws. Union Solidarity is a wide network of affiliated community and welfare organisations and unions with the single aim of building a broad people’s movement to beat back attacks on workers, unions and communities.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Boeing Dispute Enters 3rd Week

Community Assembly
Wharf Road
Fishermens Bend
(Off Todd Rd - Melways E12)
Public Transport 235, 237 or 606 Bus
Download and print support leaflet | Boeing Workers Fundraising Concert | Support Poster

Mon 21 April:
Quick Update
  • Mass meeting voted overwhelming to continue dispute
  • Boeing rejects workers proposed settlement
  • Boeing continues to threaten striking workers with legal action
  • Solidarity concert for workers.
Today, April 21 a mass meeting at the community assembly voted to continue the strike. Reportedly only a handful of workers voted to return to work. Another mass meeting is scheduled for Tues 22 April.

Legal Treats
Boeing issued the following treat to employees today on their website.
"unless there is an immediate return to work, all legal avenues will have to be explored." more on legal situation

Proposed settlement rejected by Boeing
A mass meeting on Sat 19 April gave Boeing a way out of the dispute.
"Proposed Settlement Agreement" which in brief asked Boeing to:
  • Drop all legal action
  • Return the sacked worker to his position
  • Let an independent arbitrator investigate allegations made against the sacked worker and other employees
This was a more than reasonable that would have seen a resolution to the dispute, Boeing rejected it.

Another Agenda?
It's hard to believe that Boeing want to fix this dispute. What's become clear is an intention by Boeing to break the will of the workers and have them return to work divided and with legal threats hanging over their head.

"If employees return to work and stay at work through the life of the current EBA, all legal proceedings, against all working employees, will be dropped." [letter of intent April 17]

If Boeing was successful in getting a return to work on that basis then they would have a free hand in radically forcing any change they want. Workers would not be in a position to defend themselves for fear of immediately being liable for millions of dollars in damages. How secure would any EBA be under those conditions?

Support Required:
Union Solidarity urges its supporters to attend the community assembly over the next week. We urge supporters to put their name down for one of the following times.
  • 5am – 1pm | 1pm – 9pm | 9pm – 5am or drop when you can.
Solidarity Concert for Boeing workers.
A concert is being organised to support the Boeing workers.
  • 11am Sunday May 3 at the Wharf Road Community Assembly
Background:
The dispute started on Monday April 7 when Boeing sacked a worker and suspended another without going through the agreed dispute settlement procedure. Boeing then started legal moves which now see the workers potentially faces fines under the existing Workchoices legislation. more background

How can I support the strike?
More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Boeing Workers Fundraising Concert | Support Poster

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