May Day to send a message to Federal Government

by Kerri Carr

The Howard Government's proposed changes to industrial relations will be the focus of May Day activities. May Day Committee Secretary Warren Smith said the Howard Government planned a number of the attacks on workers' conditions after July 1, when it gains control of both Houses of Parliament.

He said May Day would be used as a demonstration against the Howard Government and its activities and legislation it plans to enforce after July. The May Day Committee considers this rally to be of utmost importance in terms of show of strength of union solidarity before July 1st.

Committee member and Federation Women's Coordinator Siobhan Callan said the 2005 May Day rally would be of crucial importance as it may well be the only major rally involving all unions before July 1.

"All of the unions involved in organising the rally, including Unions NSW, recognise this rally will send a significant message to Howard about union determination to fight his IR changes.

"Workers have a right to organise, a right to collectively bargain and a right to an independent umpire," Ms Callan said.

May Day Committee President George Gotsis said the "reactionary" Howard Government was "trying to return workers to the middle ages".

He said May Day was "very integral" to "the considerable challenges ahead".

Mr Smith said: "A united front of all working class people and their organisations is vital in the struggle against the injustice of the Howard Government and their attempt to drive down the conditions of work of Australian workers.

"The Howard Government industrial reforms will hurt workers and their families by lengthening the working day and reducing wages and conditions of work. Awards and basic provisions of employment will be ruthlessly attacked. There is nothing fair about these reforms, they are unjust and will cause hardship to millions of Australians.

"Howard's industrial relations 'reforms' are an attack on the fundamental rights of workers to organise and protect living standards. Unions, in many cases the only means of protection for workers, will be savagely assaulted by a Government who is running society in the interests of the biggest corporations and the bosses," Mr Smith added.

The May Day march and rally will be held on Sunday May 1.

Workers and their families are asked to assemble in Hyde Park North at 11am for a march at noon.

Speakers include Unions NSW Secretary John Robertson, Federation President Maree O'Halloran, Greens Senator Kerry Nettle and peace activist Hannah Middleton.

Mr Smith said: "On May Day 2005 we stand in opposition to this injustice and call on all workers to rally in opposition to this massive attack.

"Join with us and make May Day the start of the mobilisation against Howard's attack against workers.

"Help to show Howard that unions are united in fighting off attacks on workers' rights."

Regional rallies

• Wollongong: April 30. Meet at 10am at Fred Moore House, Lowden Park Square
• Newcastle: May 1. Assemble in Civic Park, corner Auckland and King streets, at 10am for a march and rally.

  Howard's hit list

  May Day poster

  
  
  
  

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005