Unions and Greens unite

Wednesday 1 November 2006
Unions and Greens unite to protest WorkChoices

The NSW Greens, the CFMEU and the NSW Teachers Federation joined forces tonight as hosts of a public forum to highlight the serious attack presented by Howard's workplace laws on Australia's basic human rights.

Andrew Ferguson, Secretary of the NSW CFMEU said, 'the plight of the 107 construction workers in Western Australia who currently face prosecution and fines of $28,600 for defending their union delegate from victimisation is evidence of the brutal hand of WorkChoices".

"Howard's laws are a fundamental attack on the rights of workers to organise, take collective action and to be represented by effective unions. These are human rights enshrined in international law, taken away by Howard to curry favour with employers across Australia."

Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney Chris Harris said, "the Greens are intent on uniting with the unions and the community to bolster the ongoing campaign against WorkChoices".

"Working together is the best way to win back the working and living conditions that unions have established over the past century".

Greens MP and industrial relations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said, "overturning Howard's laws will be a key campaign aim for the Greens in the upcoming NSW and federal elections.

"Highlighting the full impact of these regressive workplace laws is a central plank of the Greens campaign to help defeat Howard and win back the Senate in 2007".

Forum details: 'Leave your human rights at the door at the door:
The workplace in Howard's Australia' was held at the NSW Teachers Federation Auditorium with the following speakers:
- John Robertson - Secretary, Unions NSW
- Maree O'Halloran - President Teachers Federation
- Bernadette Peters - Partner of prosecuted WA worker
- Clr Chris Harris - Greens, Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Sydney
- Andrew Ferguson - Secretary, NSW CFMEU