Strong support for the campaign.

Workers flock to defend their rights

More than 30,000 people converged on Blacktown on June 28 as part of national protests opposing the Federal Government's industrial relations laws.

Blacktown is the heartland of the marginal federal seat of Greenway, held by Liberal MP Louise Markus. Unions NSW is targeting marginal seats as part of its campaign against WorkChoices laws in the lead up to next year's federal election.

Following a rally at Blacktown Showground, protesters headed off on 2.6 kilometre march route around Blacktown CBD.

Unions NSW Secretary John Robertson said: "Let's be proud, let's be proud, let's be union," as the rally left to march.

There were so many marchers the head of the march would have met with its tail had police not held up the march.

Rallies and marches were also held in regional NSW.

About 7000 attended the Newcastle rally. John Cahill from the Public Service Association addressed the meeting on the sustained action that has been occurring, the need for public sector workers to be part of the action, the danger of a change of state government and the great success the Unions NSW bus had been. He emphasised the united way unions were working together. Bishop Malone from the Catholic Church condemned in the strongest terms the values inherent in the industrial relations laws. Many teachers took part in the march that followed to protest outside Spotlight's use of AWAs. Local MP Bryce Gaudry and representatives of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association spoke condemning the two cents per hour pay rise and loss of award conditions.

In Bathurst, about 2000 people marched down the main street. A rally and BBQ was held on the banks of the Macquarie River addressed by a range of people representing students, women and churches. Senator Craig Emerson gave the keynote speech.

On the Central Coast teachers began the day by handing out leaflets at the main railway stations from 5am. More than 150 large trucks and other vehicles took part in the cavalcade of vehicles from 11.30am through the streets of Gosford and on to MP Ken Ticehurst's office at The Entrance.

There was a strong show from Federation members at the Wagga Wagga rally. Speakers included Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon and TAFE teacher Maxine Sharkey gave an address about the Skilling Australia's Workforce Act and its links with the new industrial relations laws. Local nurse Anne Woodward, who was sacked on March 29, gave a truly inspirational address.

A crowd of about 2000 stretched for two blocks of the Wodonga main street. Three bus loads of teachers and many car loads travelled across the border to attend the rally. A bus load of teachers from Corowa also attended. ALP health spokesperson Julia Gillard addressed the rally.

Five thousand people marched in Wollongong and 1500 people attended the Tweed Heads march and rally.

Events were also held in Armidale, Goulburn, Lismore, Nowra and Queanbeyan.

Minister Bishop offends teachers

MPs and Fair Pay Commissioners get collective pay hikes

Shame file

For further information

August 2006 contents