(Sydney, Oz) Fight back against Work Choices

[Black Dagger]

Fight back against Work Choices and Racism in the Workplace

Support the Striking Workers at Turrella




When?

Wednesday 8 November 6:00 am

Where?

Thompson's Roller Shutters

6 Henderson Street Turrella

Next to Turrella Station (turn left at Stn exit)

Background Info
Thompson's Roller Shutters PTY LTD Turrella is an unfortunate example of
what life is like for workers under the Howard Governments new industrial
relations laws. After trying to force its workers to sign AWA's for over
six months the Thompson's management has taken advantage of the absence of
unfair dismissal laws and fired an employee of 13 years for complaining to
management about racial vilification within his Turrella workplace.

After weeks of harassment including racist comments written on his locker
to Lebanese bread being left in the staff toilets with racist notes
attached the man sought help from management. Not only did Thompson's
management refuse to take any steps against racial abuse in their factory
but they decided to fire this employee for "causing division" among the
workers.

Since this sacking 9 workers have gone on strike outside the Henderson
Street factory in solidarity with the sacked worker and in refusal of
management's plans to place all employees on one of Howard's beloved
AWA's. These workers, some who have been with Thompson's for over 18
years, have been trying to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement
with the company for over 7 months.

So far 7 full timers have signed AWA's and remain in the factory while 9
casual labour hired staff have been brought into take over the jobs of the
9 workers who have decided to strike.

After visiting this picket late last week members of Worker Solidarity NSW
are urging comrades and concerned citizens to participate in a peaceful
community assembly outside the Henderson Street factory this Wednesday 8
November. WSNSW believe that this kind of direct action is the most
effective way to express solidarity with those workers who are brave
enough to oppose the ongoing attacks against workers rights in Australia.

For more info:
Call Daniel on 0406 049 871

[Black Dagger]

Follow-up:



Workers, unions and community activists have had a fantastic victory at
Thompson's Roller Shutters yesterday. The AMWU signed an EBA with the
company which included a wage rise, increased redundancy entitlements,
entitlements back paid to July 31 and a written agreement from the company that no striker would be victimised. The workers agreed o sign and are returning to work this morning. The unlawful dismissal case taken by the union for the worker sacked after complaining about racial discrimination is still to be resolved.

A week ago, the AMWU was very worried about this dispute, they thought it would drag on for ever and was even unwinnable. The dispute had been going for three weeks, the boss was cocky and refusing to negotiate with the union and production was high. Morale on the picket line was low.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week, as well as Tuesday this week, community members mobilised by Worker Solidarity came down to the picket line. The large numbers who turned out and the threat of an ongoing community campaign against the boss was decisive in forcing a shift. On Monday this week, the boss' negotiator told the union he was ready to present a document that would end the dispute. Production had decreased inside the shop and morale on the picket line had soared, while it was obviously dropping inside.

The union organiser and the striking workers have asked that their thanks
be given to everyone who turned up to support the group. They have said
that the dispute would not have been won if it was not for that community
support and the community picket lines.

We can all feel proud that our actions tipped the balance in favour of the
striking workers. However, while it is good to get a victory under our
belt, there are several other disputes going on in Sydney that will need
our support, as well as the need to mobilise people to come to the
November 30 rallies. This win, though, will certainly go a long way to
increasing the confidence and trust between the unions and community
activists and no doubt we will be called on in the future for further
solidarity.

In Solidarity,
Liam Mitchell
On behalf of Worker Solidarity