Friday, 16th December 2005, 5.00 PM

Bourke Street Mall

At a time when governments and parts of the media explicitly or implicitly connect ethnicity/religion to terrorism, at a time when some people think it is OK to attack anyone because of their race or religion it is important for all of us to take part in actions that say: Racism is never OK and we will not tolerate it!

Yours in Unity

Ellen Kleimaker
Women's & Equity Officer
Ph. 9659 3575
Fax: 9663 2127
Mob: 0408 339 720

Striking AMWU workers need your support on the Picket Line.

137 Swann Drive, Derrimut (near Laverton, not far from Western Ring Road. Melways Ref. P39, G6.)

18 striking Colrain workers set up a 24-hour picket line last Thursday in support of one of the workers sacked by the company for refusing to scab on protected industrial action.

Workers at the plant have been resisting management's attempts to force them on AWAs (individual contracts). Management have refused to negotiate with the union, singled out an individual worker and stood him down without pay for refusing to carry out a management directive and continues to try and put pressure on workers to sign AWAs. The workers and their union have rejected AWAs and want a collective agreement (EBA). So much for Howard's Work Choices!

The striking workers need wide community support in what may well be the first taste of Howard's IR laws.

As this is one of very first attempts to enforce the new IR laws, it is something of a test case and therefore very important that these workers are given maximum support and encouragement.

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition have been asked to support the workers and their union on the picket line. Our banner has been erected on the site and our support has been warmly welcomed.

Please come to the picket line, even for a short time to show your solidarity and support for a group of courageous workers. The most critical time to attend is between 7.00-9.00 am, but even half an hour in the evening is very much appreciated.

Please distribute this request for support widely.

The AMWU picket line is outside Colrain's distribution centre in Derrimut (near Laverton) - 137 Swann Drive, Derrimut, Melways ref. 39, G6.

More information and updates:
Fergie 0425 796 167, tell him you're from the group; or our email address above.

In solidarity
Shirley

INVITATION

End of Year Social Get Together

Sunday, 11 December
from 12.00 pm

The Plough Hotel, corner Geelong Road, Barkly and Victoria Streets,
Footscray

All Welcome. Bring family and friends

Come along for lunch or just relax with a few drinks, meet other members of
the group and celebrate the end of a hard but successful year of struggle.

Note in your diaries an Important Event Early Next Year:

Western Suburbs Solidarity Picnic
Sunday, 26 February
Yarraville Gardens

More details in January.
We wish everyone a peaceful and safe Christmas
and New Year break.

Shirley, Justin, Billy and Wendy