International solidarity with Australian unions

14 November 2005

Tomorrow, 15 November, is an international solidarity day with Australian trade unions who are fighting to maintain workers’ rights in the face of attack by the Australian government.

It will be a major day of action in Australia, and trade unions around the world have been asked to protest at the local Australian Embassy.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions reports that: 'The Howard government’s radical WorkChoices industrial relations agenda will hurt the quality of life of millions of Australians. Time with family will be slashed as workers are forced to trade off take home pay, and conditions like public holidays, simply to maintain their jobs.'

The proposals would also restrict Australians' access to unions and make it harder for employees to bargain as a group with their employer.

Owen Tudor, TUC's head of European Union and international relations, said: 'TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber will be handing in a letter to the High Commission at 11am, and we know that the International Transport Workers Federation will also be handing in a letter.'

Background information on the ACTU campaign, and what the Australian government is planning, is available below.

• Industrial relations law in Australia, TUC letter to Australian High Commission, Nov 2005 (.rtf) [465kb]