Workers and Community Solidarity Picnic
The solidarity picnic was a great success with more than 1,000 attending on the day. The group continues to receive many congratulatory messages. Sincere thanks to all our supporters for their time, donations and encouragement. For those who missed out on the picnic we reproduce below a strongly worded message from the Solidarity picnic to the Federal Government and big business:

"That this solidarity gathering of workers, unions and communities sends a strong and united message to the Federal Government and big business that we will vigorously oppose the draconian IR laws that attack our rights, working conditions and living standards.

"We call on our unions and communities to unite and stand together to defeat these laws. We call on our workers and communities to organise and mobilize at the grass roots and build a people's movement that will beat back the vicious attacks by the Federal Government and big business.

"In the western suburbs of Melbourne these laws will be used ruthlessly against workers in the disappearing manufacturing industry, the backbone of this community.

"We demand that the Federal Government governs for all Australians and not just their big business mates. We send a strong message to Howard and all those behind these attacks that Australian people will not be cowed by his threats but will work together tirelessly to organise and mobilize the biggest mass rally for the June 28th day of workers and community protest action against the Work Choices IR laws.

"Our fight will not stop there. We will not stop until we have industrial relations laws that support workers, their families and community. We will not stop until we have laws which defend workers rights and conditions and which defend and build community living standards.

"This is one of the most savage assaults on working people in Australian history. But just like all previous generations of workers and communities we will fight as one for our hard won rights, working conditions and communities. Australian people have a long and proud tradition of standing up for workers' rights.

"We therefore call on everyone to get invovled - join a union and get involved in your union, workplace and community. Build a mass movement to defeat these laws." Passed by unanimous acclamation.

Future Activities

• Organising and mobilising for June 28th rally
• IR Community Information Stalls at shopping centres, schools, community events, festivals, etc.
• Petitions
• Provide Information to the local community - public meetings, talks, etc.
• Supporting local workers and unions on the picket lines
• Supporting workers and unions against whom the IR laws are being used
• Collecting information on effects of IR laws on the local community, workers and families
• Supporting workers and communities in struggles to defend and improve their working and family lives
• Campaigning with unions to protect Australian manufacturing industry and jobs
• Collecting local history of workers' and communities' struggles

NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, 19 April, 6.00 pm,
Maribyrnong Town Hall,
Meeting Room 2.

More info: Shirley 0417 456 001 | Justin 0417 896 297 | Billy 974 89959