Recent news

• Assembly stands up for building workers rights
• Save our posties
• Snap strike at Dandenong Letter Centre
• Boeing Dispute Ends
• Boeing strikers remain defiant
• Boeing Dispute Enters Wed 23
• Boeing Dispute Enters 3rd Week
• Boeing Workers Fri 18
• Managements Plans thwarted
• Boeing Workers Continue Strike

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Assembly stands up for building workers rights

Assembly at CSR > Enlarge image Friday 25th July 2008 saw 100 Union Solidarity activists from the Western suburbs shut down the CSR construction site, Lyell St Yarraville. Workers and their unions on this site have a range of longstanding issues. CSR have employed a man named John Kint who has an extremely bad history of eliminating workers' and unions' democratic rights through the Howard years, notably at Port Campbell. Kint has now told workers on the CSR site that if they talk to a union organiser they will be docked four (4) hours. Clearly the same penalties do not apply to employers seeking to meet with their unions/associations! However Union Solidarity, as friends know, is less concerned with the issues than we are with the use of undemocratic laws against workers and their unions in the righteous pursuit of their interests. It is this central point around which Union Solidarity was formed and continues to protest: union activities are not criminal as current industrial law paints them, but are simply designed to insure that workers have the same rights as employer organisations in the pursuit of their interests. more on why Union Solidarity organises assemblies... Building workers without rights under the Building Construction Industry Improvement (sic) Act are not only disempowered in the pursuit of their immediate interests to a degree not experienced by other workers, and certainly not experienced at all by employers, but importantly for the us in the community, they are unable to play the historic role they have always played in defence of communities and the general good. It is crucial that we are even more outspoken in our opposition to laws that would silence the working class voice in this country, at this time of impending crisis. If CSR escalates the problems of building workers in Yarraville the community stands ready to build resistance to those moves. more info: Why Union Solidarity organises assemblies... | John Kint at Port Campbell | Kint pressuring OH&S rep Labels: Community Assemblies, Community Protest, CSR, Kint

Snap strike at Dandenong Letter Centre

Truck held up outside the letter centre Most mail to Melbourne residents will not be delivered today [Fri June 13] after an impromptu strike by postal workers at the Dandenong distribution centre last night. The strike began at 5.30pm yesterday, just before the 6pm shift began, with workers picketing the letter distribution centre on Nathan Road for several hours. Australia Post spokeswoman Nadine Lyford said a small amount of mail had been processed yesterday before the strike, but four million letters were halted and will not be delivered until Monday. The strike was in response to a move by Australia Post management to cancel penalty rates on three Sunday shifts on public holiday weekends next year when rostered days off fall on those Sundays. ...more | Source: The Age Labels: Australia Post, Community Assemblies, strikes

Boeing Dispute Ends

Workers at Boeing vote to return to work at a mass meeting, the open and democratic way to make decisions during industrial disputes. The strike at Boeing's Fishermans Bend plant ended last night (Sun 27 April) with a vote to return work. For nearly three weeks workers stood up to massive legal threats and company lies while showing solidarity with a worker who was unfairly dismissed. The return to work agreement saw Boeing lift all legal threats against workers. Boeing had previously demanded that legal threats amounting to 10 of million of dollars would remain over the workers head for the life of the current EBA. In other words go on strike again immediately cop 10 of millions in damages. Union Solidarity coordinator Dave Kerin addressing a mass meeting at Boeing. He has now been ordered to appear before the Workplace Ombudsman Throughout the dispute Boeing attempted to turn rank and file workers against their union and their delegates. Boeing proved they weren't above defaming their own employees and even created a special website to try and threaten, intimate and confuse striking workers. However time and time again strikers voted in open democratic mass meetings to continue the dispute. Congratulations to Boeing workers for the stand you took during the dispute your example should serve as inspiration. Union Solidarity would like to thank all those who showed support during the dispute. During the dispute workers at Boeing received support from many unionists and community activists. [see messages of support] Please note that the planned Boeing Family Day Concert set the this Saturday (May 3) has been postponed) ps. Boeing have now removed the most of the content of their dispute website but a cached version can be found here. More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Boeing Cartoons | Boeing Archive | Boeing Workers Fundraising Concert | Return to work agreement Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Boeing strikers remain defiant

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 Fri 25 April: Quick Update Support for strike growing Boeing's legal threats softening? Workers vote to continue strike Solidarity concert for workers Sat May 3. Another legal development Support for strike growing As news spreads of the Boeing workers struggle support for the strikers continues to build. A number of workplaces have held meetings and taken up collections. Delegates from various unions including the AWU have attended the assembly. Donations of food, wood and most importantly money continue to come in. Boeing legal threats softening? Boeing are now publicly saying that if there is a return to work then they will drop all pending legal action against employees. Previously Boeing stated that even if workers returned to work the threat of legal action would remain for the life of the EBA. This a shift but Boeing are still using the bullying tactics of legal treats to try and force workers back to work rather than negotiate in good faith. (Boeing website | legal situation) Workers vote to continue strike. Striking workers rejected a company return to work proposals on Wednesday and again on Thursday. Two major striking points remain. One the process and the unfairness of the original sacking. Two a concern that Boeing will victimise strikers when work resumes. Solidarity Concert for Boeing workers. A concert is being organised to support the Boeing workers. 11am Saturday May 3 at the Wharf Road Community Assembly Worrying development. Union Solidarity coordinator Dave Kerin was served with an an order by the Workplace Ombudsman to produce Union Solidarity documents relating to the Boeing dispute by the 8th of May. If Dave fails to comply he faces up to 6 months in prison. We wish to make it clear that we will continue to throw all of our support behind the Boeing workers. [Notice to produce documents] 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? Attend the 24hour community assembly Organise fund raising for the strikers Download and print support leaflet Send messages of support to boeingdispute@unionsolidarity.org Join the SMS alert list to be informed of mobilisations More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Boeing Archive | Boeing Workers Fundraising Concert | Support Poster Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Boeing Dispute Enters Wed 23

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 Wed 23 April: Quick Update BBQ at Community Assembly Thurs 24 April 12noon Boeing's legal deadline for return to work passes Boeing starting to move? Solidarity concert for workers. BBQ A BBQ for the Boeing Workers and supporters will be held tomorrow Thurs 24 April at 12noon on the assembly on Wharf Rd. Please come along and show your support, donations welcome. Some movement by Boeing? Boeing rejected the Sat April 19 "Proposed Settlement Agreement" by stating that they would not negotiate while the strike continues and continuing to insist they would pursue legal action. Today Boeing management held discussions with delegates and proposed a settlement. The details of the settlement will be examined carefully and discussed at the workers mass meeting tomorrow. 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? Attend the 24hour community assembly Organise fund raising for the strikers Download and print support leaflet Send messages of support to boeingdispute@unionsolidarity.org Join the SMS alert list to be informed of mobilisations More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Boeing Archive Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

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? Attend the 24hour community assembly Organise fund raising for the strikers Download and print support leaflet Send messages of support to boeingdispute@unionsolidarity.org Join the SMS alert list to be informed of mobilisations More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Boeing Workers Fundraising Concert | Support Poster Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Boeing Workers Fri 18

Community Assembly Wharf Road Fishermens Bend (Off Todd Rd - Melways E12) Public Transport 235, 237 or 606 Bus Download and print support leaflet Fri 18 April: Battle of the meetings Yesterday (April 17) Boeing in a fairly transparent effort to affect a return to work organised a meeting of employees at Docklands. At most 200 turned up. Boeing promised to drop all legal action but only if they returned to work immediately and turn their backs on the union and delegates. (see Boeing website) Boeing attempted to organise a meeting inside the plant at 8am this morning. Workers instead attended an assembly meeting at 7am and resolved to attend another mass meeting Sat April 19 at the picket. During the assembly meeting Boeing attempted to dismantle one of the picket lines and organised a bus load of contractors to commence work. When the contractors saw the picket line however they refused to enter. Support Required: Union Solidarity urges its supporters to attend the picket tonight (Fri 18) and over the weekend. Background: The dispute started on Monday April 7 when Boeing sacked a worker and suspended another without going through the agreed dispute settlement procedure. Workers believe that another 8 workers face a similar fate. Efforts to the resolve the dispute failed on Wednesday April 9 workers walked off the job. Boeing then started legal moves which now see the workers potentially faces fines. more background How can I support the strike? Attend the 24hour community assembly Organise fund raising for the strikers Download and print support leaflet Send messages of support to contact@unionsolidarity.org Join the SMS alert list to be informed of mobilisations More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Boeing Archive Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Boeing Workers Continue Strike

Community Assembly 6am & 2pm Wed 16 April Wharf Road Fishermens Bend (Off Todd Rd - Melways E12) Public Transport 235, 237 or 606 Bus Download and print support leaflet Tue 15 April: Boeing workers continue their strike action as the Federal Court has insisted on mediation between Boeing and AMWU to resolve the issue. A workers mass meeting yesterday (Mon 13 April) determined to continue the strike defying an Industrial Relations Commission order preventing all industrial action. Over the weekend Union Solidarity was informed of plans to organise strike breakers. We strongly believe that buses containing strike breakers intend to break the picket on 6am and 2pm Wed 16 April. Union Solidarity has taken steps to mobilise our supporters to prevent this happening. We urge everyone to attend the Boeing picket. Background: The dispute started on Monday April 7 when Boeing sacked a worker and suspended another without going through the agreed dispute settlement procedure. Workers believe that another 8 workers face a similar fate. Efforts to the resolve the dispute failed with Boeing insisting they have a legal right under WorkChoices to do as they please. On Wednesday April 9 workers walked off the job. more background How can I support the strike? Attend the 24hour community assembly Download and print support leaflet Send messages of support to contact@unionsolidarity.org Join the SMS alert list to be informed of mobilisations More info: Boeing Support Leaflet | Past Actions at Boeing Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Community Assembly at Boeing

Show of support for AMWU worker sacked - 500 on strike Community Assembly Wharf Road Fishermens Bend (Off Todd Rd - Melways E12) Public Transport 235, 237 or 606 Bus Thurs 10 April: This week Boeing at Fishermans Bend (Melbourne) sacked an AMWU member unfairly. When fellow workers tried to organise a mass meeting Hawker De Havilland tried to prevent it by running to the Industrial Relations Commission seeking a 496s order. The IRC has issued an order preventing all industrial action but the workers are on strike in solidarity with their sacked colleague. Over the weekend it is requested that supporters nominate to put themselves on the 24 hour picket roster by calling 0412 484 094 or attending the picket. More info: 0412 484 094 Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Community Assembly at Visy in Coburg

A Community Assembly was held 20th March between 6am - 10am at Visy in Charles St, Coburg [Melbourne]. The action was in support an AWMU member who was unfairly dismissed by Visy. The community assemblies could escalate if Visy do not reinstate the sacked worker. Labels: Community Assemblies

Community Assembly to Save Seafarers Jobs

About 100 supporters assembled around 11am this morning (Tues 5 June), outside the CSR property on Lyell St, Yarraville, where the Ormiston is docked. The crew were notified during the morning that they were expected to bring the boat to Webb Dock at 3pm this afternoon. One of the workers said: This morning’s community assembly was held in solidarity with the crew of the Ormiston, who expected to be told this afternoon that their boat is to be decommissioned, and replaced by a ship bearing foreign flags, crewed by foreign workers. “We will probably have to strip her. Take everything off, all our personal effects, move out of our home away from home. 134 years of CSR on this coast, it’s now the end of an era.” “The Howard government’s trying to get rid of Australian seafarers and Australian ships. Where’s it going to stop? It’s not going to stop until we stop it.” Suspicions have been raised this week that another assault on the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and its members is underway. MUA Victorian Branch Secretary, Kevin Bracken, this morning told a community assembly that “we’re watching our work go bit by bit. It’s a fight we’ve got to have everywhere”. Later this afternoon the Port of Melbourne stepped in, apparently worried that once docked the Ormiston may become a site of protest. It has denied the Ormiston a berth, and she is currently anchored at sea. A berth at Geelong or Sydney will be sought. It is expected that further Community Assemblies will be held in support of MUA members in coming weeks. more info: Extensive background | Successful fight in Port Kembla to keep MUA jobs | www.mua.org.au Labels: Community Assemblies

Successful Community Assembly outside Elliot Engineering

About 60 supporters gathered outside Elliot Engineering* on Friday May 11 between 6 am and 12 noon. Delivery trucks were turned away by the peaceful Community Assembly. * Elliot Engineering is part of a group of companies behind the outrageous lockout of union members in the La trobe Valley 48 workers from Mechanical Engineering Services have been locked out for 34 weeks from the Yallourn Workshop in the Latrobe Valley. According to Gippsland Trades & Labour Council, the company has used Howard’s Treacherous IR laws against these workers and is refusing to negotiate on a new enterprise agreement. [read more] The peaceful community action was halted at midday when the police intervened on behalf of management to allow a truck to exit the premises. Numbers on the Community Assembly had dwindled by this point, making it difficult to maintain an effective presence. more info: MEC La trobe Valley lockout | Donation Request Form | http://gippslandtlc.com.au | Report on employer violence at Elliot Engineering Labels: Community Assemblies, MEC

Community Assembly to stand up to violent employer

Community Assembly 6am-2pm Friday May 11 Elliot Engineering 176 Colchestar Rd Kilsyth In response to the employer violence on the picket last Friday and in support of the workers in Latrobe Valley who have been locked out for 34 weeks a community assembly will be held outside Elliot Engineering in Kilsyth. * Elliot Engineering is part of a group of companies behind the outrageous lockout of union members in the La trobe Valley Union Solidarity will not be intimidated by thuggish behaviour of any employer. Police are in the process of laying charges against Elliot and possible civil laws suits are being considered. We expect a much larger turn out this Friday and the safety of protesters will be guaranteed. The right to picket and protest by workers outside their employer’s premises is one of the few democratic rights left. It is vital that this right is protected. If this action is not possible either due to anti-union laws or physical violence by the employer then tyranny will reign. Union Solidarity has been privileged over the past two years to stand shoulder to shoulder with workers on community assemblies. In many cases the picket or protest outside the workplace was the only thing standing in the way of their employers completely destroying hard won conditions. Along the way those workers brave enough to strike in spite of anti-union laws, to picket regardless of legal threats and to seek wider union and community support actually found themselves on the winning side. Up until now community assemblies that Union Solidarity have been involved in have mostly been non-violent and well organised. We have cooperated with the police and done our upmost to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For this record to remain intact we need greater numbers on pickets and assemblies. If you are in a position to please attend the assembly on Friday and pass this message on. Union Solidarity. more info: MEC La trobe Valley lockout | Donation Request Form | http://gippslandtlc.com.au | Report on employer violence at Elliot Engineering Labels: Community Assemblies, MEC

Preston Motors, strike over

The month long dispute at Preston Motors is over. A breakthrought came on April 13 and NUW workers voted to return to work. Lessons learnt Yet again another employer has been forced to negotiate with the relevent union in dispute through community assemblies and wider support. Congratulation to the workers at Preston Motors who stuck together and were successful in achieving a much improved union EBA (Enterprise Bargaing Agreement). more. | NUW statement Labels: Community Assemblies, Preston Motors, strikes

All quiet on the Northern Front

Picket report Wednesday 11 April. Overall a quiet day on the picket, management seems to have given up on trying to move anything through the picket expect for one incident with a confused truck driver. There was also a lack of the usual mouthing off by some of the security staff and sales reps. Signs, perhaps, that management has accepted the picket as a fact. Word came down to the picket that Preston Motors approached the union and were seeking to start negotiating. There is no indication as this stage of how serious Preston Motors are to resolve the issue. Further updates to come… Not much moving at Preston Motors Clear Out Sale, not clearing much out Labels: Community Assemblies, Preston Motors, strikes

Preston Motors workers need your support

Preston Motors 1551 Sydney Rd Campbellfield [Melways: F7, map 7] Another successful community assembly took place this morning outside Preston Motors in Campbellfield (Thurs 5 April) as the company still refuses to negotiate with the union in good faith, management have even knocked back an offer by the AIRC (Australian Industrial Relations Commission) to intervene...more More Support Needed NUW Workers are entering into their fourth week in dispute over an EBA increase. They desperately require your support after Easter. While the community assemblies have been successful workers on the picket at night have reported being harassed. Bottles were thrown from passing cars and one picketer's car was damaged. We can only speculate whether Preston Motors is or is not behind this violence. A more substantial 24 hours presence will be in place starting from Tuesday 7am, April 10th. We are asking supporters to make themselves available for 2-4 hour shifts on the picket. Desperate Move In a desperate move today Preston Motors cut through their own electric fence to move parts via an access road along the Upfield railway line. Eyewitnesses report seeing a convoy exitting the yard swinging onto the narrow and rough unsealed road adjancent the Upfield rail line. Their is no traffic barrier between the track and the railway cutting and one of the trucks nearly tipped over close to the edge of the cutting, this poses a huge safety concern as suburban trains travel in both directions along the single line. Preston Motor's actions could have resulted in either the cancellation of train services or a serious accident. Pictures Union members in rail were informed and train company Connex reportedly rang Preston Motors warning of legal action if vehicles moved along the road again. Due to the safety issues involved Workcover are investigating the incident and have issued an order preventing Preston Motors using the route again. The Hume council are also looking into the incident. Workers can win Maybe today's action by Preston Motors is a sign that they are close to sitting down and negotiating with the union. One last roll of the dice before accepting the inevitable. Whether the workers can win will depend on how much support they received on the picket next week. Get Involved! The Preston Motors Group has a range of dealerships throughout Melbourne. Preston Motors Group Dealerships Labels: Community Assemblies, Preston Motors

Preston Motors Community Assembly

8-11am 22 March Preston Motors 1551 Sydney Rd [Melways: F7, map 7] Around 70 workers and members of the community assembled this morning (Mon 19 March) at Preston Motors in Campbellfield. The action spread over two hours and two gates stopped deliveries and supplies in support of striking NUW members. Over 30 workers working in the spare parts/stores section of Preston Motors began a strike on Tuesday, 13 March, over the company’s continued refusal to negotiate a fair wage increase. The National Union of Workers (NUW) and its members have been attempting to conclude a new Union Collective Agreement after the previous Agreement expired in September last year. Preston Motors Dandenong & Geelong are also on strike. The picketline is an around-the-clock picket line. Please attend, to show support for these workers. more info: NUW press release | www.nuw.org.au | previous actions at Preston Motors Labels: Community Assemblies, Preston Motors

Phonetec action set to continue

Ongoing Assembly @ Phonetec Nunawading All day. every day from 8.45am Starts Monday 8/1/07 370 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading. (near crn of Springvale Rd) Optus World shop shut early by protest Community action in support of a union member unfairly dismissed at Phonetec continued today (Fri Jan 5) on three fronts. There was an assembly at the Phonetec repair centre in Nunawading. OptusWorld in Footscray was disrupted for a couple of hours. Finally a planned protest at 4pm in the city shut down one store directed by Gary Chan (Optus World, Elizabeth St) and saw the early closure of another. An ongoing assembly at Nunawading will kick off Monday (Jan 8) and remain until the issue is resolved. All the actions are part of a campaign to reinstate a worker who was sacked unfairly three days before Christmas. The worker went to the union and complained over a number of issues include the non-payment of overtime. Rather than resolve the issues fairly her boss raised spurious claims of poor work performance and sacked her. Protesters in the city were pleasantly surprised when the shop in Elizabeth Street was already shut. The logical decision was made to move to another store directed by Phonetec's manager, 'Yes' Optus in Russell St. After an hour of leafleting that shop also closed early. Next week will see a range of activities kicking off with an ongoing community assembly at Phonetec in Nunawadding. More info: Phonetec Website Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

Action against Phonetec set to escalate

Community Assembly - Nunawadding @ Phonetec Fri 8.45am, January 5. 370 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading. (near crn of Springvale Rd) Leafleting - Western Suburbs Fri 10am, Jan 5. OptusWorld 183 Barkly St, Footscray Rally - City 4pm Fri, Jan 5 OptusWorld 253 Elizabeth St City. (crn of Elizabeth & Lonsdale) Action against to against Phonetec is set escalate tomorrow in the fight against the unfair dismissal of Maggi Li. Maggi was sacked unfairly two days before Christmas. More community members assembled today (4 Jan) at Nunawading and several customers expressed their dissatisfaction with Phonetec's service, high prices and treatment of their employees. CEPU officials served papers on Phonetec today for unfair dismissal of Maggi Li. Again Garry Chan reacted by throwing union flags across the nature strip. If you can't make it out to Nunawading there are two activities to get involved in. Leafleting Optus World in Footscray (10.30am) and a Rally in the City (4pm) against Maggi Li's unfair dismissal. Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

Phonetec dispute at crucial stage

Community Assembly @ Phonetec Thurs & Fri 8.45am January 4 and 5. 370 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading. (near corner of Springvale Rd) Community action to reinstate a sacked telecommunications worker in Nunawading is planned to continue for the rest of the week. If you haven't been to the assembly yet please make the effort to go. There is a lot at stake in this dispute. The victimisation and unfair dismissal of a union member is a classic example of what any employer can do under Howard's IR laws. It’s now up to the community and union movement to show what we can do. If you can't attend the actions at Phonetec in Nunawading please find another way to get involved in the fight to reinstate Maggi Li. There are a number of Optus dealerships that are in fact connected to Phonetec operating under the name of Masterlink. They are: OptusWorld, 253 Elizabeth St, City. ‘yes’ Optus, 195 Russell St, City OptusWorld, 580 Station St, Box Hill. OptusWorld, Shop 3, 275 Springvale Rd, Springvale. OptusWorld, 183 Barkly St, Footscray. Background: Jan 2 Assembly | Phonetec reneges on deal | December 22 Assembly Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

More pressure needed on Phonetec

Community Assembly @ Phonetec 8.45am Weds January 3, 2007 370 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading. (near corner of Springvale Rd) A community assembly today [Tue Jan 2 2007] was once again set up outside Phonetec in Nunawading to fight for Maggi Li’s job. Maggi, who has worked for Phonetec for 6-years was sacked just before Christmas. Gary Chan only hours after agreeing to reinstate Maggi on December 22 told CEPU officials that the deal was off. The union tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to negotiate with Chan to reemploy Maggi. Phonetec’s work practices leave a lot to be desired. Only a quarter of the workforce is in the union. Most workers are paid $12 an hour, in fact the basic wage. Many workers come to work early and work unpaid to keep up with quotas. Phonetec employs many workers on dodgy traineeships (some only get paid $10 an hour) that grossly underpay workers. Up to 30 members of the community and members from a range of unions assembled from 8.45am only to meet by an agitated Chan who a hurled union flag, spear like, onto the footpath. Many of Phonetec’s customers decided to go elsewhere and some delivery drivers also supported the assembly. There are a number of Optus dealerships that are in fact connected to Phonetec operating under the name of Masterlink. They are: OptusWorld, 253 Elizabeth St, City. ‘yes’ Optus, 195 Russell St, City OptusWorld, 580 Station St, Box Hill. OptusWorld, Shop 3, 275 Springvale Rd, Springvale. OptusWorld, 183 Barkly St, Footscray. To continue the pressure on Phonetec a community assembly is scheduled for tomorrow [Wednesday Jan 3]. Please show your support by attending the assembly and not doing any business with Phonetec. Stay in contact with website for future actions. Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

Phonetec reneges on deal

Community Assembly @ Phonetec 8.45am Tues January 2, 2007 370 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading. (near corner of Springvale Rd) In a disappointing development Garry Chan, manager of Phonetec, has backed out of a deal to reinstate sacked worker Maggi Li. On Friday December 22 Garry Chan agreed to reinstate Maggi and the union (CEPU) agreed to work constructively with Phonetec to resolve issues around training. Chan initially backed down after a community assembly forced him into negotiations with ACTU president Sharon Barrow and the CEPU. It now appears that with the pressure off Phonetec, management feel they have a free hand with their workforce. Some people could come to the conclusion that Phonetec is planning to put all their employees on Australian Workplace Agreements. Getting rid of union members who stand up for their rights would be the first step. Please come and support this assembly, on the 22 Dec [2006] we forced Phonetec to back down, we can do it again. Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

Phonetec reinstates sacked worker

A community assembly successfully won a workers job back at today (Fri 22 Dec) at the Phonetec repair centre in Nunawading. Maggi Li who has worked for the company for 6 years was sacked last night. She didn’t even have time to say goodbye to her fellow workers. We believe she was sacked because she resisted a proposed pay cut. The assembly got underway a 9am and was disbanded at around 2pm, after management agreed to reinstate Maggi. ACTU president Sharron Barrow addressed the assembly and together with a CEPU official entered into discussion with Garry Chan manager of PhoneTec. Garry Chan agreed to reinstate Maggi and the union agreed to work constructively with the PhoneTec to resolve issues around training. This is a fantastic development given that Mr Chan had previously boosted that Howard’s new IR law gave him the power to sack any worker without due process. Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

Phonetec sacks worker on the eve of Christmas

Community Assembly Phonetec 9am Friday 22 December 370 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading. (near corner of Springvale Rd) On the eve of Christmas telecommunication company Phonetec has sacked a worker with 6 years service unfairly. The worker was given written notice today (Thurs 21 Dec) and told not to turn up tomorrow. Please show your support and attend the community assembly. A media conference will get underway from 10am. Workers in the telecommunications industry especially those in small and medium companies need our solidarity. Labels: Community Assemblies, Phonetec

Community Assembly to protect conditions at Port Campbell

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

Port Campbell standing up to IR bully

Union Solidarity turned up to the Port Campbell Woodside Gas Plant construction site on Friday 10 November for another round in the fight against IR consultant Colin Milne. For those of you who aren't up to date with Milne, he is the IR consultant and an anti-unionist responsible for getting rid of, now, well over 150 workers at the construction site in Port Campbell where decent workers are being forced to work 56 hour weeks. A number of different site supervisors tried to harass workers into pushing through the community assembly, but it would seem the workers have had enough of Milne's scare tactics and his ruthless pursuit of good, honest union people because they refused...read more background: Port Campbell community stand up to IR bully Labels: Community Assemblies, Port Campbell

Community Action Targets Alcoa

Building work at Alcoa’s new aluminium processing plant at Pinjarra in WA was halted Wednesday and Thursday morning (Nov 1&2) by the Peel Community Solidarity group. The community action, which involved holding mass meetings in the middle of the road, is the first of its kind in WA. On October 31 thirty building workers were sacked after Alcoa cancelled a building firms contract. C.E.C.K, the new contractor, indicated that the workers would be re-employed under AWA’s (individual contracts) resulting in a 25% reduction in conditions. Alcoa refused to negotiate in good faith with the union representing the workers, the Australian Workers Union (AWU). In response the community decided to discuss the issue on the main access road into the plant during a shift change. As Alcoa employs about 2,000 employees the action caused a traffic gridlock...more Labels: Alcoa, Community Assemblies

100 support Feltex workers

enlarge image Feltex workers were definitely feeling the love on Friday, 3 November, when around 100 hundred people from Union Solidarity and the greater community turned up to a solidarity breakfast held in their support. The workers face loosing all their entitlements now that Feltex have gone into liquidation and Godfrey Hirst has bought the company, for a song, through a shelf company with conveniently limited funds. Evidently, the shelf company cannot afford to pay these workers for the many years (up to 40 years) service they have loyally given Feltex. And, now they expect the workers to sign AWAs that will effectively cut their terms and conditions, including their redundancy package entitlements based on the number of years they have served at their workplace. The AWAs are a condition of continued employment, which may be all very legal under Howard's WorkChoice laws. Just another example of how these laws undermine the rights of Australian workers. The Textile Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia are taking the company to the Federal Court to test the legality of requiring employees to sign AWAs in these circumstances. Watch this space. more info: Textile workers suffer AWA carpet burn | TCFUA Labels: Community Assemblies, Feltex

Community Solidarity Breakfast

Friday 6.00am - 7.00am November 3 Opposite Feltex Head Office 35-65 Paramount Road Tottenham Textile Workers Suffer AWA Carpet Burn A group of the 300 textile workers who are being told they must sign AWAs. Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd intends to require the workers to sign individual contracts (AWAs) as a condition of them maintaining their current jobs with the new company. If they refuse to sign the AWAs they will have no jobs and be paid none of their redundancy entitlements. ....more Labels: Community Assemblies, Feltex

Latrobe Valley workers keep pressure on Elliot's

A community assembly took place this morning, Friday 27th October, in Kilsyth to put pressure on Mechanical Engineering Services (also known as Elliot’s) the company currently locking out workers in the Latrobe Valley. Elliot’s locked the workers out on September 12th after union members refused company demands for radical deductions in conditions such as reduction in RDOs (Rostered Days Off) and loss of shift penalties. The action this morning coincides with an Industrial Relations Commission hearing where it is expected that Mechanical Services Engineering will attempt to make action at the Yallorn Workshop Assembly illegal. Recently Elliot’s was unsuccessful in breaking the solidarity of union members by trying persuade some workers to come back to work under reduced conditions...more background More info: 0428 528 255 | Family Picnic Day | Yallourn Workshop Embassy News | Donation Request Form | Media Release | http://gippslandtlc.com.au/ Labels: Community Assemblies, Lockouts, Yallourn Embassy

Port Campbell community stand up to IR bully

All work came to a halt at the Port Campbell Woodside Gas Plant construction site on Friday 20 October 2006, as over 300 members of Union Solidarity and the general local community rallied in a community assembly that stopped all traffic from entering or leaving the site. This action was taken by the community in support of site workers who have been victimized by Colin Milne, an IR consultant and renowned union head kicker, who was hired by the company because the site was behind schedule. Milne's reputation is a cause for concern, as he was the IR consultant on another petro chemical construction site that carried out unsafe work practices, one incident resulting in a number of workers suffering from gas poisoning...read more Labels: Community Assemblies, Port Campbell

Heinemann Strikers Solidarity Breakfast

TOUCH ONE - TOUCH ALL The strike at Heinemann's is into its fourth week. Show our brothers and sisters at Heinemann that they aren't standing alone. On the picket line 7.30am Wednesday 27th September 821 Springvale Rd Mulgrave [melway 80 A2] download ETU media release Labels: Community Assemblies, Heinemann

Community Assembly at Toyota Altona

Update Thurs 21/9: Assembly lifted while company and union negotiate, workers remain on strike Union Solidarity has established a 24 hour assembly at Toyota Corner Grieve Pde and Dohertys Rd Altona [melway 54 G1] download support leaflet Maintenance workers at Toyota in Altona are on strike in support of an AMWU delegate. Tony Brooks a senior delegate is being discriminated against after being guaranteed his job at Altona by Toyota during the Port Melbourne consolidation. During the consolidation process 795 employees from Port Melbourne had been given an option of either transferring their job to Altona or taking redundancy. The senior AMWU delegate was the only employee not offered his existing position. He was locked out on 29 August and offered a lower skilled job on the production line, he refused and his fellow workers have rallied around him. Who will be next? If Toyota is taking this stance with the senior delegate what hope has a rank and file worker have? Don’t cross the picket. SUPPORT NEEDED Visit the picket: Key times are 7am-8am, 3pm-4pm, 11pm-12am. Talk to assembly coordinator on arrival. Workplace Meetings: Arrange a meeting at your to support the Toyota workers. If you require a speaker contact: 0412 484 094. Message of Support: Send messages of support to: contact@unionsolidarity.org Spread the word: Print/Copy/Distribute this leaflet. Email and phone your networks Logistical Support: We require the following items to support the picket: • UHF transceivers • Mobile phones • Food • Coverings, Tarps etc more info: Dave Kerin 0412 484 094 Labels: Community Assemblies, strikes, Toyota

Community Assembly at Hawker De Havilland

Boeing / Hawker De Havilland Wharf Rd Fishermans Bend (Melways 42 -E12, Public Transport 235, 236, 237 from Flinder St Station & 606 Bus) Please download print & distribute: Boeing workers support leaflet Boeing has targeted and sacked 3 shop stewards. 350 workers members of the AMWU, APESMA (Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia) and NUW have been on strike since last Thursday (August 17). Workers at a 9am mass meeting voted today (Tues August 22) to stay out on strike. The AIRC has ordered the workers back to work; these union members require our support. Please: Come down to the community assembly to fill roster. (ph: 0412 484 094) Bring food, drink, shelter material Send message of support to contact@unionsolidarity.org Keep in daily contact with website for updates, as with Amcor the situation can change day by day. A leaflet for printing and distribution will be available soon. Update: Mass meeting 8am Weds 23 August. more info: Dave Kerin 0412 484 094 | Boeing workers support leaflet Labels: Boeing, Community Assemblies, strikes

Amcor workers hold their nerve

Community Assembly 5.45am Wed 9 August Amcor Flexibles 29 Bell St Preston [Between Chifley Dv and Albert St] Striking workers at Amcor Flexibles in Preston are buoyed by the news that 9 other Amcor plants across Australia took solidarity action today. Another hopeful sign was news that a high-powered meeting between Amcor top management and senior officials from the AMWU is going to be held tomorrow [Wed Aug 9] at 10am. Local Amcor managers tried yet again to panic the workers back in the gate with rather comical results. Lets just say that sparks flew and we all felt warmer. Although there are positive signs the workers still require wider trade union and community support. Support Amcor workers leaflet: please print and distribute Community assembly roster: Paullie 0402 273 677 contacts Dave Kerin 0412 484 094 | Joe Montero 0402 679 201, 9486 6306 Labels: Amcor, Community Assemblies, strikes

Amcor Workers on Strike Urgent Support Needed

Amcor Flexibles 29 Bell St Preston (between Chifley Drive and Albert St) Support Amcor workers leaflet: please print and distribute A community assembly has been set up to support AMWU union delegates and members victimized by management. Amcor have targeted 5 AMWU members for forced redundancies including 2 delegates. The workers at the plant, who have been on strike since Tuesday August 1 face possible fines under Howard’s new IR laws. They urgently need your support! Update: Union Solidarity / Community Assembly Monday August 7 at picket from 5.45am onwards. Background. Amcor Flexibles sought to introduce a round of redundancies at their Preston site. Workers were subjected to a humiliating process of “scores” for their job skill levels. The union (AMWU) were more than willing to negotiate around a process of voluntary redundancies and attempted to have outstanding matters resolved in the commission. However Amcor management have insisted on “picking heads” and targeted some of the most skilful workers for redundancies, workers who wanted to stay. Amcor did not need to this, there were plenty of volunteers willing to take voluntary redundancy. Amcor have also tried to use Howard’s IR laws to force change that undermines union strength on the job. Amcor’s wider agenda is to set a precedent of getting rid of people they don’t want. They will then seek to do that at other Amcor sites. Amcor are attempting to use the full weight of Howard’s draconian IR law to bludgeon the workers back to work. Workers have been threaten with fines. Bravely the workers have decided not to be intimidated and the community is backing their stand. They urgently require your support. send messages of support to contact@unionsolidarity.org Community assembly roster: Paullie 0402 273 677 more info: Dave Kerin 0412 484 094 | Joe Montero 0402 679 201, 9486 6306 Labels: Amcor, Community Assemblies, strikes

Save Sunshine Pool

The Save Sunshine Pool Community Committee have just set up a community picket line to stop Brimbank Council demolishing the old outdoor swimming pool. Council started cutting down trees around the pool in preparation for the demolition. The VTHC, CFMEU, AWU and several other unions are respecting picketline established by the local community. The Save Sunshine Pool group is calling on local residents, community groups, unions, schools and local small businesses for support on the picket line. If you can help on the picket line or assist in any other way please phone the Save Sunshine Pool Hotline: 0408 521 913. more info: Save Sunshine Pool Website | Picketline roster hotline 0408 521 913 Labels: Community Assemblies, Sunshine Pool

Political & Industrial Protest at Preston Motors

Workers and Locals set to show Unity and Solidarity !! 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Sat 10 June, 2006 Preston Motors Mitsubishi 1551 Sydney Road Campbellfield Melway Ref: 7 F7 Workers at Preston Motors Mitsubishi are set to get a significant boost in their campaign to maintain wages and conditions with the AMWU - Vehicle Division (Vic. Branch) setting up a political and industrial protest on-site in Campbellfield this weekend. State Secretary Gayle Tierney said “We invite workers and their families to drop-in and show support for the 23 workers who are on the frontline in this battle against the Work Choices legislation. These workers and their families do not deserve to have their wages and conditions placed under attack. However, it is clear that the Company want to impose a wage freeze and to remove important conditions that have been in existence for a number of years. This is simply unacceptable.”. “With this dispute we are in it for the long haul. We apply the principle that no worker will lose a single cent or have a single condition abolished as a result of the Work Choices legislation. Our job is to ensure that what we have today we will have tomorrow.”. said Union Official David Nunns. more info: AMWU Official David Nunns 0425 784 812 Labels: Community Assemblies

Finlay Engineering Workers Back On The Job

The dispute at Finlay Engineering has been successfully concluded with three sacked workers Harra, Vince and Arjunta being reinstated. Dave Oliver AMWU and Sharon Burrow from the ACTU issued the following statement. "Following negotiations with the management of Finlay Engineering and the AMWU, the three workers have been reinstated and will be returning to work. The workers are thrilled to be back on the job, and are looking forward to returning tomorrow." Dave Oliver thanked members of the AMWU and members of the community who supported the workers in getting back to work. more info: ACTU press release | The Age coverage of resolution | Indymedia coverage background: Workers Online | John Fain interview with Finlay boss | Sunday Times article | The Age article Labels: Community Assemblies, Finlay

Community assembly to save 3 AMWU members jobs

A community assembly has started at an engineering shop in Heidelberg (Melbourne) to save the jobs of three AMWU members, sacked for answering back. There has been a long struggle to get the union onto the site. The boss now has used Howard's IR laws to get rid of three "trouble makers". action commences 6am Tue 2 May Finlay Engineering 617 Waterdale Road Heidelberg West more info: Dave Kerin 0412 484 094 update: this struggle was successful! see Finlay workers back on the job. Labels: Community Assemblies, Finlay

Sacked for answering back

Three AMWU members at an engineering shop in Heidelberg (Melbourne) were sacked for answering back. There has been a long struggle to get the union onto the site. The boss now has used Howard's IR laws to get rid of three "trouble makers". An action is planned to protest the sackings. Friday 21 April Finlay Engineering 617 Waterdale Road Heidelberg West note the exact time is yet to be announced. more info: Chris Spindler AMWU 0425 784 819 backgrond: Workers Online | John Fain interview with Finlay boss | Sunday Times article | The Age article update: [May 2] Community assembly to save 3 AMWU members jobs | [May 3] Direct Actions gets workers job back Labels: Community Assemblies, Finlay

Community Assembly to protest unjust sackings

A short action is planned to protest the sacking of 70 workers under the new IR laws. 4pm Thurs 13 April National Springs 19 Glenbarry Rd Campbellfield All supporters in the area are urged to attend. more info: Tony Mav AMWU 0421 495 776 Labels: Community Assemblies

Action to protect delegates job continues

Picketing action to support CEPU (Communications, Electrical and Postal Union) shop steward Peter Vining continued today at the Fitzroy Delivery Centre. During today’s action the Chairperson and President of the Atherton Gardens Residents Association visited the picket. The Residents Association together with Councilor Steve Jolly and Union Solidarity proposed a B.B.Q with the Australian Post workers at the delivery centre for Wednesday 1st of February at 1pm. Peter Vining was sacked before Christmas for allegedly upsetting a customer. A Board of Reference was convened on 5 January 2006 to review the decision to terminate Mr Vining's employment. The following day the Chairman of the Board of Reference decided that the dismissal was harsh. However Peter was a transfered to a lower level, in Australia Post, a Mail Officer at the Melbourne Parcel Facility (MPF). According to Jennifer Porter, Corporate Lawyer for Australia Post "The CEPU objected to the transfer to MPF and asked the Chairman of the Board to reconvene the Board to reconsider Australia Post’s decision. The Chairman invited the parties to address him on the issue and Australia Post submitted that custom and practice is that a transfer means a transfer to another facility. The Chairman declined the CEPU’s request to reconvene the Board in the knowledge that Mr Vining was to be transferred to another facility." So a delegate gets sacked on verbal evidence that the union has always contested. The union is prevented from taking industrial action due to legal threats and falls back internal mechanisms. Even chairman of the Board of Reference decided that the dismissal was harsh. However based on evidence presented Peter Vining is busted down to lower job in a different workplace. The union is now expected to cop it sweet and not complain. The sacking of militants in Australia Post and the open harassment and legal threats against the CEPU is in violation of international human rights. It's important that all unions oppose and are seen to be opposing this fundamental attack on workers democratic rights. If you are in a position please attend and advertise this event. Solidarity B.B.Q. with Australia Post Workers Australia Post Delivery Centre Cnr. Gore & Argyle Sts, Fitzroy. 1pm Wednesday, Feburary 1. Please keep visiting the website as further solidarity action to reinstate Peter Vining to his former position are in the pipeline. Labels: Australia Post, Community Assemblies, Peter Vining

Community Assembly to protect Delegates job

A community assembly was held today (Wed 25 Jan) to stop the forcible transfer of union delegate, Peter Vining from the Fitzroy Mail Delivery Centre. Australia Post sacked Peter late last year on trumped up charges. After a campaign by his union Peter got his job back but Australia Post are insisting on transferring him against his will to another centre. The assembly/picket started at 5.30am and ran till 1.30pm. We were successful in disrupting the operation of the Mail Delivery Centre and several staff refused to cross the picket line. At this stage it is unclear whether today’s solidarity action will be enough to protect Peter’s job. Union Solidarity supporters are urged to regularly visit the website for updates and future actions. Background | Australia Post at it again. Labels: Australia Post, Community Assemblies, Peter Vining

Colrain workers urgently need support for picket line.

Striking Colrain workers urgently request support for their dispute after a car drove through the picket line this morning badly injuring one worker. The situation on the picket line is stable at the moment with workers receiving support but workers fear an attempt to break the picket line tonight. AMWU members have been on strike at the plant since last Thurs (Dec 8) in support of a worker who was stood down without pay. Workers at Colrain have been resisting managements efforts to place them onto AWA's (individual contracts). Attendance on the picket line is urgently requested from 9 pm tonight, Monday 12 December. Supporters are asked to commit to a 3 hour shift by phoning Dave on 0412 484 094 and leaving a message. Colrain Dispute: 137 Swann Drive, Derrimut (near Laverton) Melways reference 39, G6. More Info: 0425 796 167 fergieeiffe@hotmail.com Labels: Colrain, Community Assemblies, strikes