Workers unite under Tree of Knowledge
WORKERS worried about the Federal Government’s new industrial relations laws are encouraged to show their support at Labour Day celebrations on Monday, May 1.
Marking 120 years since its conception, the Australian Workers Union will send Queensland branch secretary Bill Ludwig and president Gary Ryan to this year’s celebrations in Barcaldine, home of the Australian Labor Party.
While in town Mr Ludwig and Mr Ryan will present bronze tiles, each depicting the 13 shearers who went on strike because of their poor working conditions in 1891 and subsequently jailed for their actions.
“These tiles represent the great women and men who fought so hard for the rights of Australian workers,” Mr Ludwig said.
“This year marks 120 years since the shearers and miners unions amalgamated to form the Australian Workers Union.
“The AWU is not only the oldest union in Australia, but also the most unique.
“Most of the unions that are in Australia have their roots in the UK, however AWU was born out of the unique difficulties experienced by shearers and miners in a new country.”
Despite having its roots in rural industries, AWU now attracts members from a wide range of service providers, all of which, Mr Ludwig claim take issue with the Federal Government’s new WorkChoices industrial relations laws.
“AWU now has a much broader membership base to include local authorities, Main Roads and hospital employees, all of which are present in Central Queensland,” he said.
“Our members have revealed that the Federal Government’s new Workplace laws are a genuine concern for them.
“The laws challenge their job security.
“Everyone has some right of ownership in their job because they are the ones contributing the effort and training in their position, which the employer doesn’t always pay for.
“It has put the fear into people’s minds, and rightfully so.
“If the boss doesn’t like your attitude, irrespective of your work performance, then he can sack you.
“I can’t imagine how many shearing jobs I would have gone through in my day because the boss didn’t like me.
“The laws are unfair and are taking away any type of industrial justice.”
Labour Day celebrations will get underway at the Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine at 9am, followed by a parade at 11am through the main street.
Barcaldine May Day committee president Pat Odgen said he was expecting a good turn out, in the face of new IR laws.
“I have a feeling that a number of AWU members will turn out in Barcy to protest against these new laws,” Mr Odgen said.
“The day is always well supported and the parade is generally led by a prominent politician or union member.
“This year, with Bill Ludwig in the lead it is sure to be a great day.”
Marking 120 years since its conception, the Australian Workers Union will send Queensland branch secretary Bill Ludwig and president Gary Ryan to this year’s celebrations in Barcaldine, home of the Australian Labor Party.
While in town Mr Ludwig and Mr Ryan will present bronze tiles, each depicting the 13 shearers who went on strike because of their poor working conditions in 1891 and subsequently jailed for their actions.
“These tiles represent the great women and men who fought so hard for the rights of Australian workers,” Mr Ludwig said.
“This year marks 120 years since the shearers and miners unions amalgamated to form the Australian Workers Union.
“The AWU is not only the oldest union in Australia, but also the most unique.
“Most of the unions that are in Australia have their roots in the UK, however AWU was born out of the unique difficulties experienced by shearers and miners in a new country.”
Despite having its roots in rural industries, AWU now attracts members from a wide range of service providers, all of which, Mr Ludwig claim take issue with the Federal Government’s new WorkChoices industrial relations laws.
“AWU now has a much broader membership base to include local authorities, Main Roads and hospital employees, all of which are present in Central Queensland,” he said.
“Our members have revealed that the Federal Government’s new Workplace laws are a genuine concern for them.
“The laws challenge their job security.
“Everyone has some right of ownership in their job because they are the ones contributing the effort and training in their position, which the employer doesn’t always pay for.
“It has put the fear into people’s minds, and rightfully so.
“If the boss doesn’t like your attitude, irrespective of your work performance, then he can sack you.
“I can’t imagine how many shearing jobs I would have gone through in my day because the boss didn’t like me.
“The laws are unfair and are taking away any type of industrial justice.”
Labour Day celebrations will get underway at the Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine at 9am, followed by a parade at 11am through the main street.
Barcaldine May Day committee president Pat Odgen said he was expecting a good turn out, in the face of new IR laws.
“I have a feeling that a number of AWU members will turn out in Barcy to protest against these new laws,” Mr Odgen said.
“The day is always well supported and the parade is generally led by a prominent politician or union member.
“This year, with Bill Ludwig in the lead it is sure to be a great day.”
posted by dr mcgillicudy's cudsong at 9:48 AM
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