And the Sky Did Fall in

Despite all the usual assurances there has been a procession of sackings and of cases of bosses exploiting workers since the Howard Government's WorkChoices legislation became law.  The sacking of twenty-nine workers at the Cowra Abattoir and the federal government's opportunistic intervention is such a case. No one can seriously believe the PM and his lackey, Kevin Andrews, intervened out of an interest in worker rights.  John Howard has no interest in the truth.  What a shame it is that we must tolerate men of the ilk of Howard and Andrews.  What a disgrace it is that they are prepared to see working people suffer this kind of bullying. It looks like a major confrontation is not far off.  As part of the campaign against the government ETU members are asked to keep an eye out for the many community rallies occurring around the state.  On Sunday 2 April the ETU had a table at the rally in Yarraville, and there'll be another rally on 30 April, at Town Park in Peacedale Parade, Broadmeadows, starting at 1 pm.

The Howard Government's contempt for working people is producing growing anger and solidarity amongst workers.  On 28 June 2006 workers and their families will take to the streets as they did last November to remind the government that we will not lie down.  No doubt there'll be no shortage of ETU members whose Howard induced migraine will force them into the city for a bit of R & R.  And no doubt they'll be wearing their ETU gear, especially those new T-Shirts, as advertised on page 5 of the April ETU News.  As explained, you too can be wearing a brand new T-Shirt if you send back your reply paid letter by 30 April. Since the Recharge group was elected a decade ago, the ETU has encouraged members to proudly display the ETU logo. No doubt those members on R & R will follow that tradition.  Don't forget the flags!  They came up a treat at Federation Square in November. 

Bump Them Out of Parliament

Apart from protesting and campaigning, the ETU is asking members to participate in the federal marginal seats campaign, wherever possible.  It's simple really.  We need to muster teams of people who can assist in these campaigns.  Liberal seats such as Deakin, in Melbourne 's outer eastern suburbs, and the rural seats of McEwan and McMillan are held by small margins and there are a number of Labor seats in the same boat.

ACTU assistant secretary Chris Walton says it's the ACTU's intention to 'build a 'cross-union activist group in the seats, that will identify the impact of the WorkChoices legislation and campaign against sitting Coalition members'. In the coming months the ETU we'll provide information concerning meetings, which members can attend to find out how to assist in bumping these Coalition members out of parliament.  It's the ACTU's intention to appoint a full-time marginal seats co-coordinator in June. 

Without people on the ground to campaign against the Coalition, these miserable anti-worker lackeys might just get re-elected.  This is something that should set a fire in the belly of every worker in the land.  When more details are available as to which seats are to be targeted, the ETU will convey such information to members.  All we ask is that you are ready for the battle and can find time to do all that is required, to make Coalition members pay.

Workers - Seymour 's New Holy Grail

As front man for the band, Hunters & Collectors, Mark Seymour became synonymous with some great Australian ballads.  None was more admired than the love ballad Throw Your Arms Around Me.  And none is now more synonymous with popular culture and football than his Holy Grail anthem.

From 26 April until 6 May Seymour will join an ensemble of unionists under the direction of Donna Jackson for the production of a rock concert celebrating the skill and strength of builders.  Appropriately titled, 'We Built This City', the production can be seen at the Spotswood Pumping Station as part of the 8-Hour Day commemorations. But wait, there's more.  Yes, former ETU organiser and now Connect officer, Adrian MacNamara will be performing with the band.  For more information go to www.melbourneworkerstheatre.com or ring 9326 6667

The VTHC has announced that it will work with its affiliates and the Melbourne May Day Committee to put on a major celebration event for Sunday 7 May 2006.

The general idea is to 'seal off' a section of Lygon Street , between Victoria Street and Queensbury St (in front of the Trades Hall). Besides a sound stage, seating, banners etc, it is hoped affiliates will join in both the usual and extra, May Day activities, by setting up their own stalls etc. It is proposed that there will also be children's rides (via the building industry picnic suppliers).  And the VHTC is looking to community groups, radio stations and activists' organisations to think about food stalls and political events to make the afternoon a success.

This is a great opportunity for the ETU to lead the charge against Howard's IR legislation.  Anyone interested in participating in the day should ring Phil Cleary in the communications department of the ETU or email on phil@etu.asn.au

In keeping with its commitment to providing members with all the benefits a smart Union can provide, the ETU is proud to announce that, through its member provider, Where to Enjoy, ETU members can access the best seats at the very best prices for Lano and Woodley (Her Majesty's) and Swan Lake on Ice.  And if you happen to be interested in Elton John, Robbie Williams or Pearl Jam you can register on the waitlist.  To find out more, just ring 1300 306 384 or go to our website, www.etu.asn.au

The winner of the ETU/Where To Enjoy $25.00 Coles Gift Card in March was Tuan Anh Le.  And the winner in April is Paul O'Kane. From Ambulance cover to dinning, entertainment and car rental, the ETU provides members with hundreds of benefits.  All you need to do is go to the website to find out what's available. Those who haven't already done so will be pleasantly surprised.

The death of a worker is rarely treated with the solemnity saved for a sporting celebrity or public figure.  Too often, such deaths pass without comment in the media or are treated as a normal part of life.  Invariably these deaths are a product of work practices that place profit before safety.  Only recently an ETU linie was badly burnt in an accident at Shepparton.  Members well know the importance the ETU places on safety.  Sadly, serious accidents still occur.

At 10.30 am on Friday 28 April 2006, workers will convene at the VTHC Memorial Rock, where a minute's silence will be observed at 11.00 am, to be followed by speeches from various trade unionists. In this, the year where the bosses are mounting a vicious attack on workers, it's important that we fly the workers flag.

In the face of stories of gloom and doom, organiser on delegation, Steve McKay, was happy to tell the eTU online that 'there are a number of manufacturers lining up to roll over EBAs'.  Already Cryac Australia , Olex Cables, Furnace Engineering and Ramset, to name but a few have already rolled over their EBAs.  'It's very encouraging,' says Steve, who along with AMWU officials has a number of other manufacturers in the pipeline expressing a strong interest in cementing existing conditions in law.

'Moving around worksites it's clear that there's been a level of complacency amongst workers.  I can't see these workers having the same complacency, come the next federal election,' says Steve.  Food for thought!

A Must See Film

Melbourne Union Aid ABROAD-APHEDA members and supporters will be attending a fundraising screening of the film, Tsotsi, at Cinema Nova on Thursday 20 April.  It's a 6.30 start, with tickets selling for just $20/$15 concession.  An Academy Award winning film 'set amidst the sprawling Johannesburg township of Soweto - where survival is the primary objective - Tsotsi traces six days in the life of a ruthless young gang leader who ends up caring for a baby accidentally kidnapped during a car-jacking. Tsotsi is a gritty and moving portrait of an angry young man. Winner of the 2006 Academy Award Best Foreign Language Film and the 2005 Toronto Film Festival People's Choice Award, this is a film truly worth seeing.  And it's for a good cause.

For tickets contact Steve Mullins - Mob 0413 021 412 or email smullins@actu.asn.au

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